5 Fetch Alternative Js You Need to Know About
If you’re somewhat familiar with Fetch now, it is time to know about 5 Fetch alternative Js. We feel it is crucial to know about the alternatives because a good decision can only be made when you’re provided with more than one option.
These are the 5 Fetch alternative Js:
1. XMLHttpRequest
2. Axios
3. Got
4. SuperAgent
5. Requestify
Follow along to know about each of them in more detail.
1. XMLHttpRequest
XMLHttpRequest is also used to retrieve only the required data from the server. It is one of the oldest.
When it was introduced, everything changed because coders realized how this technology can benefit websites. Every other alternative we’re going to talk about next has XMLHttpRequest as the base. If this hadn’t been developed, we would not be using Fetch Js today.
Pros:
- Many XHR requests can run at the same time.
- Saves time, as requests run at the same time.
- Can still be used by slow machines with old browsers.
Cons:
- It is outdated, as it was launched in 2006.
- It lacks some features.
- It is not as lightweight as its modern counterparts.
2. Axios
Axios is another alternative to Fetch. Many coders prefer it because it brings together the key benefits of Fetch & XMLHttpRequest. At times, Fetch can cause problems. The main reason for that is when someone uses an old browser but also wants speed and versatility.
It is a promise-based HTTP client. Promise is an object in Js which tells whether an asynchronous request was completed or not. There are three states for a Promise- Pending, Fulfilled, and Rejected.
Pending is when the request is in its initial stage. When you see pending, you won’t know whether a request will be returned or not.
Next is Fulfilled. It is the second and final step. If the request is fulfilled, you know that your request from the HTTP server was successful.
Then is Rejected. If the HTTP server doesn’t return the required data, you see this.
These three states easily tell the coder about the request.
Pros:
- It supports Promise.
- Works well on old and new browsers.
- Combines the best aspects of Fetch & XMLHttpRequest.
- It is easy to use.
Cons:
- It can be difficult for a beginner to understand the different features of Axios.
- You must install it separately as it doesn’t come built into the browser.
3. Got
With over 19 million downloads in a week, Got is one of the best options in this list. The reason for this is that it is a powerful request library that is easier to use than other alternatives. It offers HTTP 2 support, which no one except SuperAgent offers.
It also comes with Promise. We talked about Promises in detail in the previous point. In case of failure to get data, it retries to get it from the HTTP server. It is an uncommon feature that most alternatives don’t offer.
Also, there are advanced timeouts when the request takes too long to process. Overall, Got is a package in itself because there are not many options that offer so much.
Pros:
- Supports Promises.
- RFC Compliant Caching.
- HTTP 2 support.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Unlike Fetch, it has to be installed separately.
- It does not parse JSON by default.
4. SuperAgent
SuperAgent is a small-sized HTTP request library. It is its small size that helps it become flexible and easier to install on old machines. It is perfect for beginners because learning it is not too difficult.
Other than that, loads of other features and plugins are available in this SuperAgent. Although small, it surely packs a punch.
Pros:
- It is lightweight.
- It also supports Promises.
- Fairly easy to learn.
- You can write your own plugins.
- Support is available, as it is a widely used library.
Cons:
- It is not a JS native and has to be installed separately.
- It does not offer lots of functionality, as many others do.
5. Requestify
Published 6 years ago, Requestify is another HTTP library that is popular among developers. Many say that Requestify is the easiest to use. Along with being easy, it offers Promise. By now, we know that any option that offers Promise is a good option.
More than 5,000 people download Requestify weekly. So, you can know that it gets the work done.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Extendable HTTP client.
- It supports cache.
- It supports Promise.
- It can handle redirect URLs.
Cons:
- Good for beginners. Not so much for experienced coders.
Which Js Will You Choose?
Many Js developers have been using Fetch for the longest time. That doesn’t, in any way, mean you should choose it. But, if you are looking for an option that is lightweight, clean and simple to use, we’d suggest you go with Fetch Js.
Sure, other options are packed with features, but honestly, most developers will never use all the features. Most will use only a handful and get their tasks done effectively.
If you’re someone who isn’t concerned about tons of features, but wants the most useful and well-optimized ones, Fetch should be your go-to option. If, however, it doesn’t suit your needs, you can always make a switch.
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