What is axios?

Axios is a small, easy‑to‑use JavaScript library that helps you send HTTP requests (like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) from a web browser or Node.js to a server. Think of it as a messenger that lets your web app talk to APIs and get data back, without having to write a lot of low‑level code.

Let's break it down

  • Library: You add axios to your project with npm or a script tag.
  • Requests: You call axios.get(url) to fetch data, axios.post(url, data) to send data, etc.
  • Promises: Each call returns a Promise, so you can use .then()/.catch() or async‑await to handle the response.
  • Configurable: You can set a base URL, default headers, timeout, and interceptors that run before a request is sent or after a response is received.
  • Runs everywhere: Works in browsers, React Native, and server‑side Node.js.

Why does it matter?

Without a tool like axios, you would need to use the built‑in fetch API or older XMLHttpRequest objects, which require more boilerplate and lack some handy features (like automatic JSON parsing, request cancellation, and interceptors). Axios makes network code shorter, clearer, and easier to maintain, especially for beginners learning how to interact with APIs.

Where is it used?

  • Front‑end frameworks such as React, Vue, and Angular for calling RESTful APIs.
  • Server‑side Node.js applications that need to talk to other services.
  • Mobile apps built with React Native.
  • Any JavaScript project that needs to fetch or send data over HTTP.

Good things about it

  • Simple, readable syntax (axios.get(…), axios.post(…)).
  • Returns Promises, so it works naturally with async/await.
  • Automatically transforms JSON data, so you get JavaScript objects right away.
  • Supports request and response interceptors for logging, authentication, or error handling.
  • Can set a global base URL and default headers, reducing repetition.
  • Works in both browser and Node environments.

Not-so-good things

  • Adds extra bundle size compared to using the native fetch API (though still relatively small).
  • Some features (like request cancellation) rely on older AbortController polyfills in older browsers.
  • The library is no longer under active development of major new features; the community maintains it, so updates may be slower.
  • For very simple one‑off requests, using fetch directly may be more straightforward.