TanStack Query Best Practices

Comprehensive performance optimization guide for TanStack Query v5 applications. Contains 41 rules across 8 categories, prioritized by impact to guide automated refactoring and code generation.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Writing new queries, mutations, or data fetching logic
• Implementing caching strategies (staleTime, gcTime)
• Reviewing code for performance issues or request waterfalls
• Refactoring existing TanStack Query code
• Implementing infinite queries, Suspense, or optimistic updates

Rule Categories by Priority

Priority	Category	Impact	Prefix
1	Query Key Structure	CRITICAL	tquery-
2	Caching Configuration	CRITICAL	cache-
3	Mutation Patterns	HIGH	mutation-
4	Prefetching & Waterfalls	HIGH	prefetch-
5	Infinite Queries	MEDIUM	infinite-
6	Suspense Integration	MEDIUM	suspense-
7	Error & Retry Handling	MEDIUM	error-
8	Render Optimization	LOW-MEDIUM	render-

Quick Reference

1. Query Key Structure (CRITICAL)

• tquery-key-factories - Use centralized query key factories
• tquery-hierarchical-keys - Structure keys from generic to specific
• tquery-always-arrays - Always use array query keys
• tquery-serializable-objects - Use serializable objects in keys
• tquery-options-pattern - Use queryOptions for type-safe sharing
• tquery-colocate-keys - Colocate query keys with features

2. Caching Configuration (CRITICAL)

• cache-staletime-gctime - Understand staleTime vs gcTime
• cache-global-defaults - Configure global defaults appropriately
• cache-placeholder-vs-initial - Use placeholderData vs initialData correctly
• cache-invalidation-precision - Invalidate with precision
• cache-refetch-triggers - Control automatic refetch triggers
• cache-enabled-option - Use enabled or skipToken for conditional queries

3. Mutation Patterns (HIGH)

• mutation-optimistic-updates - Implement optimistic updates with rollback
• mutation-invalidate-onsettled - Choose invalidation callbacks by mutation contract
• mutation-cancel-queries - Cancel queries before optimistic updates
• mutation-setquerydata - Use setQueryData for immediate cache updates
• mutation-avoid-parallel - Avoid parallel mutations on same data

4. Prefetching & Waterfalls (HIGH)

• prefetch-avoid-waterfalls - Avoid request waterfalls
• prefetch-on-hover - Prefetch on hover for perceived speed
• prefetch-in-queryfn - Start follow-up prefetches when keys become known
• prefetch-server-components - Prefetch in Server Components
• prefetch-infinite-query - Prefetch infinite lists with queryClient.infiniteQuery (5.102+)
• prefetch-flatten-api - Flatten API to reduce waterfalls

5. Infinite Queries (MEDIUM)

• infinite-max-pages - Limit infinite query pages with maxPages
• infinite-flatten-pages - Flatten pages for rendering
• infinite-refetch-behavior - Understand infinite query refetch behavior
• infinite-loading-states - Handle infinite query loading states correctly

6. Suspense Integration (MEDIUM)

• suspense-use-suspense-hooks - Use Suspense hooks for simpler loading states
• suspense-error-boundaries - Always pair Suspense with Error Boundaries
• suspense-parallel-queries - Combine Suspense queries with useSuspenseQueries
• suspense-boundaries-placement - Place Suspense boundaries strategically

7. Error & Retry Handling (MEDIUM)

• error-retry-config - Configure retry with exponential backoff
• error-conditional-retry - Use conditional retry based on error type
• error-global-handler - Use global error handler for common errors
• error-display-patterns - Display errors appropriately
• error-throw-on-error - Use throwOnError with Error Boundaries

8. Render Optimization (LOW-MEDIUM)

• render-select-memoize - Memoize select functions
• render-select-derived - Use select to derive data and reduce re-renders
• render-notify-props - Rely on tracked properties before notifyOnChangeProps
• render-structural-sharing - Understand structural sharing
• render-tracked-props - Preserve tracked-property optimization

How to Use

Run in the project root first:

npx -y @pymodel/react-frontend-skills detect                       # installed vs. targeted versions
npx -y @pymodel/react-frontend-skills scan --skill tanstack-query  # deprecated APIs → rule IDs

Read references/<rule-id>.md for each rule above that matches the task and for each scan hit: why it matters, then incorrect vs. correct code.

Related Skills

• For mocking API responses in tests, see msw skill
• For React 19 data fetching patterns, see react skill