Data Fetching in React Native

Overview

React Native uses the standard Fetch API but requires additional patterns for production apps: caching, mutation handling, authentication, offline support, and request cancellation. TanStack Query (React Query) is the standard solution for managing server state.

Core principle: Separate server state (fetched data) from client state (UI state). Use React Query for server state and React state/context for client state.

When to Use

• Making HTTP requests to REST or GraphQL APIs
• Caching API responses to avoid redundant network calls
• Handling optimistic updates and mutations
• Managing authentication tokens securely
• Supporting offline-first or intermittent connectivity
• Cancelling requests on component unmount or navigation

Fetch API in React Native