12Managing State with Context API

Beginner20m

The Problem: Prop Drilling

When you need to pass data through many nested components, props can become messy. This is called prop drilling — passing props through components that don't need them just to reach a deeper component.

What is the Context API?

The Context API lets us share state between components without passing props manually at every level. It's great for global values like themes, user data or app settings.

Creating Context

jsx

import { createContext } from 'react'

export const UserContext = createContext()

Providing Context

Wrap components that need access to the shared state using a Context Provider.

jsx

import { useState } from 'react'
import { UserContext } from './UserContext'

function App() {
  const [user, setUser] = useState({ name: 'Chika', loggedIn: true })

  return (
    <UserContext.Provider value={{ user, setUser }}>
      <Dashboard />
    </UserContext.Provider>
  )
}

export default App

Consuming Context

Use the `useContext` hook to access context values inside a component.

jsx

import { useContext } from 'react'
import { UserContext } from './UserContext'

function Dashboard() {
  const { user } = useContext(UserContext)
  return <h2>Welcome, {user.name}</h2>
}

Updating Context Values

jsx

function LoginButton() {
  const { setUser } = useContext(UserContext)

  return (
    <button onClick={() => setUser({ name: 'Ada', loggedIn: true })}>
      Login as Ada
    </button>
  )
}

When to Use Context

Sharing theme settings (light/dark mode)
Managing authenticated user data
Language or app settings
Shopping cart data in e-commerce apps

Avoid using context for everything. For complex state logic, tools like Redux or Zustand may be better.

Mini Project Step

Create a `ThemeContext` to manage your project's light/dark mode globally. Replace local theme state by wrapping your app in a provider.

jsx

// ThemeContext.jsx
import { createContext, useState } from 'react'

export const ThemeContext = createContext()

export function ThemeProvider({ children }) {
  const [theme, setTheme] = useState('light')

  return (
    <ThemeContext.Provider value={{ theme, setTheme }}>
      {children}
    </ThemeContext.Provider>
  )
}

jsx

// main.jsx or App.jsx
import { ThemeProvider } from './ThemeContext'

function App() {
  return (
    <ThemeProvider>
      <Header />
      <Home />
    </ThemeProvider>
  )
}

export default App

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