Context API vs Redux: Key Differences and When to Use Each in React

React's Context API solves the problem of prop drilling by allowing data to be shared across components without passing it manually through every level of the component tree. It works well for relatively static, app-wide data such as user authentication, theme, or language settings. However, as applications grow and require multiple, frequently changing state slices — such as in an e-commerce app with carts, orders, and filters — managing numerous contexts can become complex and hard to maintain. Redux addresses this by offering a centralized, predictable store where all shared application state is managed through a structured flow of actions and reducers. The two tools are not direct competitors but serve different needs, with Context API suited for simpler use cases and Redux more appropriate for large-scale, dynamic state management.