If you're building a frontend in 2025, connecting it to a REST API is non-negotiable, and using Axios makes that connection clean, fast, and reliable. Whether you’re developing a dashboard, e-commerce store, or SaaS product, knowing how to use Axios is a skill that can save you hours and tons of bugs.
Why Axios is the Go-To HTTP Client in 2025
Before diving into the implementation, let’s quickly cover why Axios still holds up:
Promise-based and easy to use with async/await.
Automatic JSON parsing.
Intercept requests/responses for better control.
Built-in XSRF protection.
Works both in Node.js and browsers.
For those looking to build high-performance UIs, frontend development with tools like Axios is a must-have combo.
Setting Up Your Project
You need a project that’s ready for Axios. Here’s what that setup usually looks like:
1. Install Axios
Or if you prefer Yarn:
2. Folder Structure
Organize your files:
This structure ensures the separation of concerns between UI components and API logic.
Configuring Axios: The Right Way
Create a reusable Axios instance to centralize configuration:
You can now reuse this client across your app. Bonus: It makes testing easier.
Making GET Requests with Axios
Let’s say you want to fetch a list of users. Here’s how you’d do it:
Tips:
Always wrap calls in try/catch blocks.
Handle both response.data and response.status when needed.
Stat Alert: As of early 2025, Axios is used by over 68% of JavaScript projects involving API calls.
Sending POST Requests
Now, let’s send data to the API—maybe you’re creating a new user:
Use Case: Useful in forms, registrations, or any create/update actions.
Using Axios with React Hooks
For React devs, Axios integrates beautifully with hooks like useEffect and useState:
Note: Keep API logic outside the component when possible, especially for larger projects.
Handling Errors and Status Codes Gracefully
Error handling is where most devs mess up. Don’t just console.log everything:
Add user-facing error messages, not just console errors.
Secure Your Requests: Headers, Tokens, and Interceptors
Authentication is a critical layer. If you're using JWT, you’ll need to attach it to every request.
Update your axiosClient:
Stat to Know: 90% of modern web apps use bearer tokens (like JWT) for API authentication.
For more on securing full-stack applications, check out our guide on how to build a secure full-stack app with JWT.
Axios in a Production-Ready App
In enterprise-scale applications, you’ll need to:
Split API logic into services.
Use environment variables for base URLs.
Integrate logging tools for tracking errors.
Example using .env:
Deploy confidently when you pair Axios with continuous integration and frontend testing tools.
Bonus: Canceling Requests in Axios
If your user navigates away mid-request, cancel it to prevent memory leaks:
Use cases:
Typeahead search
Real-time dashboards
Final Thoughts
Axios is more than a utility—it’s a best practice for connecting your frontend to any REST API. It simplifies the tedious parts of HTTP and gives you control where you need it.
Here’s what you should take away:
Install Axios once. Configure it properly.
Separate logic into modules.
Use interceptors for authentication.
Secure and scale your apps the right way.
Need help building a rock-solid UI with optimized API calls? Check out our frontend development guide to get started with clean, scalable code.
