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Glossary · Web & App Development

TanStack Query

Definition: TanStack Query (formerly React Query) is an open-source library that manages server state in web and mobile apps — handling data fetching, caching, background refetching, and synchronization so you don't write that logic by hand.

Official source: TanStack Query

Overview

What TanStack Query is

TanStack Query, formerly React Query, is a library for managing server state — the data your app fetches from APIs and databases. It is not a replacement for fetch or axios; instead, it wraps your requests to handle caching, background updates, loading and error states, retries, and request deduplication, removing a large amount of repetitive code.

Key concepts

The two core building blocks are queries, which read and cache data, and mutations, which change data and can trigger the cache to refresh. TanStack Query keeps data fresh with a stale-while-revalidate strategy, supports pagination and infinite scrolling, and enables optimistic updates for instant-feeling interfaces. A framework-agnostic core supports React, Vue, Svelte, Solid, and Angular.

Why it matters for your project

Data fetching is where many apps accumulate bugs and inconsistent loading behavior. In React and React Native development, TanStack Query standardizes this layer so screens stay in sync with the server and feel fast, with less custom code to maintain. That translates into fewer defects and quicker delivery on data-heavy dashboards, portals, and mobile apps.

Where we use it

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How our team puts TanStack Query to work in real projects.

FAQ

TanStack Query — common questions

Is TanStack Query the same as React Query?

Yes. React Query was renamed TanStack Query when it expanded beyond React to support Vue, Svelte, Solid, and Angular. The React adapter is still the most widely used version.

TanStack Query vs Redux?

They solve different problems. TanStack Query manages server state from APIs, while Redux manages client state such as UI and app logic. Many apps use TanStack Query for data and a lighter tool for client state.

Is TanStack Query free?

Yes. TanStack Query is free and open source under the MIT license.

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