Vue methods vs watchers vs computed properties

Vue.js provides us with the options to use methods, watchers, and computed properties. But when should we use each of them? Let’s break it down:

When to use methods

• Use methods to react to events happening in the DOM.
• Use methods to call a function when something happens in your component. You can also call methods from computed properties or watchers.

When to use computed properties

• Use computed properties when you need to compose new data from existing data sources.
• Use computed properties when you have a variable in your template that is built from one or more data properties.
• Use computed properties when you want to simplify a complicated, nested property name to make it more readable and easier to use. It will also update automatically when the original property changes.
• Use computed properties when you need to reference a value from the template. Creating a computed property is the best approach because it’s cached.
• Use computed properties when you need to listen to changes in more than one data property.

When to use watchers

• Use watchers when you want to listen to changes in a data property and perform some action accordingly.
• Use watchers when you want to listen to a prop value change.
• Use watchers when you only need to listen to a specific property. Note that you can’t watch multiple properties at the same time.
• Use watchers when you want to watch a data property until it reaches a specific value, and then perform a certain action.

By understanding the specific use cases for methods, computed properties, and watchers, you can make informed decisions on which one to use in different scenarios.

Tags: Vue, Vue.js, methods, watchers, computed properties