Difference between Fetch and Axios for Making HTTP Requests

Fetch and Axios are commonly used in web applications to make HTTP requests from the frontend to the backend. While Fetch is built into modern browsers, Axios is a popular library known for its simplicity and extra features. Both can handle the same tasks like sending and receiving data.

What is Fetch?

The Fetch API is a built-in JavaScript feature available in modern browsers. It provides a simple way to make network requests using the fetch() method, which is part of the window object. This method returns a Promise that resolves with the response to the request.

Syntax:

fetch('url-to-resource')
  .then(response => {
    // Handle the response here
  })
  .catch(error => {
    // Handle errors here
  });

• The fetch() function is used to make network requests and returns a promise.
• The .then() method handles the successful response, while .catch() handles any errors that occur during the request.

What is Axios?

Axios is a third-party JavaScript library designed for making HTTP requests. It works with both Node.js and browsers. Like Fetch, Axios uses the Promise API introduced in ES6. Axios is known for its simplicity and extra features, such as request/response interception, error handling, and support for cancellation.

Syntax: 

axios.get('url')
  .then((response) => {
    // Code for handling the response
  })
  .catch((error) => {
    // Code for handling the error
  })

• The axios.get() method makes a GET request to the specified URL and returns a promise.
• The .then() method handles the successful response, while .catch() handles any errors that occur during the request.

Difference Between Axios and Fetch

Here's a quick comparison between Axios and Fetch:

When to Use Fetch

Fetch is a great choice if you prefer a lightweight, native solution without the need for additional libraries.

• Native Solution: Fetch is built into modern browsers, so no installation is needed.
• Lightweight: If you prefer minimal dependencies, Fetch keeps your codebase slim.
• Custom Error Handling & Parsing: You’ll need to manually handle error catching and JSON parsing, but this gives more control.

When to Use Axios

Axios is perfect if you need more advanced features and a higher level of convenience in handling requests.

• Request/Response Interceptors: Easily handle requests and responses before they are sent or after they are received.
• Automatic JSON Parsing: Axios automatically converts JSON responses, saving you time.
• Request Cancellation: You can stop requests when needed.
• Timeout Handling: Set a timeout for requests to avoid hanging indefinitely.
• Progress Tracking: Easily track file uploads or downloads.
• Simplified Error Handling: Axios simplifies the process of catching and managing errors.

Conclusion

When fetching data from the backend, both Fetch and Axios are great options. However, if you need advanced features or are working on a more complex project, Axios might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a simple, built-in solution and don’t mind writing a bit more code for things like error handling, Fetch is a great, lightweight option.