This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kaif Zaki
Managing state in web applications has always been a hot topic. In 2025, developers have more options than ever — from React’s built-in hooks to cutting-edge tools like Signals and React Server Components (RSC). Let’s explore what state management looks like today. 
React Hooks (Still Relevant)
useState, useReducer, and useContext remain core building blocks for local and shared state.
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
Best for local UI state (forms, toggles, modals).
Simple, predictable, and still the default choice.
Context API + Custom Hooks
For light global state (like user auth, theme, or preferences), Context + custom hooks are still popular. But in 2025, many teams pair Context with React Server Components to fetch + hydrate data more efficiently.
Redux Toolkit (RTK)
Redux is not dead. In fact, Redux Toolkit + RTK Query is widely used for enterprise-scale apps:
Strong dev tools
Centralized store
Smooth async data handling
But for smaller apps, developers are moving toward lighter solutions.
Lightweight Stores (Zustand, Jotai, Valtio)
Libraries like Zustand, Jotai, and Valtio are thriving because they’re:
Minimal boilerplate
TypeScript-friendly
Easy to scale from small → medium apps
Example (Zustand in 2025):
import { create } from “zustand”;
const useStore = create((set) => ({
count: 0,
increment: () => set((state) => ({ count: state.count + 1 })),
}));
function Counter() {
const { count, increment } = useStore();
return Count: {count};
}
Signals (The Rising Star)
Inspired by frameworks like SolidJS and Angular’s new Signals API, React devs are experimenting with Signals-based libraries (like Preact Signals).
Why Signals?
Fine-grained reactivity
Avoid unnecessary re-renders
Declarative + performant
Signals could shape the future of React state management, especially as RSC matures.
React Server Components (RSC)
By 2025, RSC is mainstream. Instead of fetching data in the client and storing it, you can fetch directly in the server component:
// Server Component
async function UserList() {
const users = await fetch(“https://api.example.com/users”).then((res) =>
res.json()
);
return
- {users.map((u) =>
- {u.name} )}
}
Reduces the need for complex client-side state.
Better performance + SEO out of the box.
Shifts data-fetching state from client → server.
The 2025 State Management Landscape
Small apps → Hooks + Context
Medium apps → Zustand / Jotai / Valtio
Enterprise apps → Redux Toolkit + RTK Query
Performance-focused apps → Signals & RSC
The new mantra: “Push as much state to the server as possible, keep only what’s necessary in the client.”
Final Thoughts
In 2025, state management isn’t about finding “one best library.” Instead, it’s about choosing the right tool for the right job:
Hooks for local state
Context for light global state
RSC for server-driven state
Signals for reactive updates
Redux/Zustand for complex scenarios
What state management solution are you using in 2025? Share your experience below!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kaif Zaki