Why should I use a finally block when fetching?
To set loading to false whether the fetch succeeded or failed. If you only set it after success, an error leaves the spinner spinning forever. A finally block guarantees the loading state always ends.
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More FAQs in How to Handle Loading and Error States When Fetching APIs in React
Three main states: loading, error, and success. Track them with separate state variables so the UI can respond to each appropriately, plus an empty state for successful fetches that return no data.
Track a loading flag set to true before the fetch and false after. While loading is true, show a spinner, skeleton, or placeholder so the user knows something is happening and the screen is not blank.
Wrap the fetch in try/catch, set an error state on failure, and render an error message with a retry option. Never leave the user staring at a blank screen after a failure.
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