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Composition API vs Options API: Vue.js

Since Vue 3’s release, the Composition API has been the recommended approach for building scalable apps. However, the Options API isn’t obsolete yet. Many teams are still weighing the pros and cons—especially when working with existing projects. Let’s break it down.

🔹 What is the Options API?

The Options API (used heavily in Vue 2) organizes logic into options like data(), methods, computed, and watch.

Pros

  • Easy learning curve for beginners.
  • Highly readable for simple components.
  • Great for small to medium apps where business logic is straightforward.

Cons

  • Logic is scattered; related code may live in multiple options.
  • Harder to reuse code across components (mixins often lead to conflicts).
  • Less flexibility when handling complex state or side effects.

🔹 What is the Composition API?

The Composition API groups logic by feature rather than by options. It uses functions like ref, reactive, watch, and computed inside a setup() block or script setup.

Pros

  • Cleaner separation of concerns: feature-specific logic lives together.
  • Easy code reuse via composables.
  • Better TypeScript support.
  • Scales well for enterprise apps and large codebases.

Cons

  • Slightly steeper learning curve.
  • Can feel verbose for small components.
  • Beginners may find logic organization harder at first.

⚖️ When is the Options API Still Acceptable in 2025?

Even though Vue’s core team recommends the Composition API, there are scenarios where the Options API is perfectly fine:

  1. Maintaining Legacy Code: If you’re working on an older Vue 2 or hybrid Vue 2/3 project, sticking to the Options API reduces refactoring costs.
  2. Small Components: For tiny, self-contained components (e.g., a button or modal wrapper), the Options API can be more concise.
  3. Teams with New Developers: If your dev team has many juniors or part-time contributors, the Options API can be faster to onboard.
  4. No Advanced Logic: If the component has no complex state management or side effects, the Options API is fine.

Pro Tip: You can mix both APIs in the same Vue 3 project. Use Options API for simple components and Composition API for complex ones.

📈 Best Practice for Modern Apps

  • New Projects: Always start with the Composition API; it’s future-proof and integrates seamlessly with TypeScript and Vue’s ecosystem.
  • Migration Strategy: Gradually refactor legacy Options API code only when it provides tangible benefits.

💡 Code Comparison

Options API

<script>
export default {
  data() {
    return {
      count: 0
    };
  },
  methods: {
    increment() {
      this.count++;
    }
  }
};
</script>

Composition API

<script setup>
import { ref } from 'vue'

const count = ref(0)

function increment() {
  count.value++
}
</script>

🚀 Key Takeaways

  • Composition API = better scalability, reusability, and TypeScript support.
  • Options API = simpler syntax for small, legacy, or beginner-friendly components.
  • It’s not all or nothing—mix both where appropriate.

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