Unlocking the Power of Redux Logging
When it comes to debugging applications, having a clear understanding of what’s happening under the hood is crucial. In our previous article, we explored the benefits of using Redux for logging in production environments. Now, we’ll dive deeper into how to architect an application with logging in mind, making the most of Redux’s capabilities.
The Importance of Data Fetching
Fetching and sending data over the network is one of the most error-prone aspects of application development. Issues can arise from connectivity problems, unexpected data, or incorrect logic. To mitigate these risks, libraries like Apollo Client for GraphQL and Redux Query for REST provide a way to fetch data via Redux.
Redux Query: A Closer Look
Redux Query uses Redux as a persistence layer, allowing developers to inspect logs and see what data has been fetched and the status of in-flight requests. For example, when a query is initialized, Redux Query emits a REQUEST_START action with all the request information, making it easy to debug.
Storing State in Redux
Redux Query also stores its internal state in the Redux store, providing a wealth of information on in-flight requests, query count, and timings. This state object can be inspected to debug issues, putting full context on all network activity in the Redux logs.
Rolling Your Own Data Fetching Framework
For a simpler approach, developers can create their own data fetching framework by dispatching explicit actions when querying and receiving data from the network. By being explicit with Redux actions for each part of the request lifecycle, it becomes easier to debug potential race conditions or network errors.
Best Practices for Debugging
Using libraries and patterns that put data through Redux helps build more debuggable applications by leaving a rich audit trail. When architecting new features, ask yourself if they might be error-prone and whether being able to view their state in the Redux logs would help solve future bugs.
Getting Started with LogRocket
To take your Redux logging to the next level, get set up with LogRocket’s modern error tracking in minutes. With LogRocket, you can easily inspect your Redux logs and debug issues faster.