# Refs, Computed, and Reactivity

This note explains the most important Vue state concepts for a Python developer.

## `ref`: reactive storage for one value

A `ref` wraps a value so Vue can track it.

```ts
import { ref } from 'vue';

const count = ref(0);
const username = ref('mathias');
const isLoading = ref(false);
```

In script code, you read and write using `.value`.

```ts
count.value += 1;
username.value = 'new name';
isLoading.value = true;
```

In templates, Vue unwraps refs automatically.

```vue
<template>
  <p>{{ count }}</p>
</template>
```

You write `count`, not `count.value`, in the template.

## Python comparison

Python:

```python
count = 0
count += 1
```

Vue script:

```ts
const count = ref(0);
count.value += 1;
```

The extra `.value` exists because `count` is a reactive wrapper object, not the raw number.

## Example: loading state

```vue
<template>
  <button :disabled="isLoading" @click="save">
    {{ isLoading ? 'Saving...' : 'Save' }}
  </button>
</template>

<script setup lang="ts">
import { ref } from 'vue';

const isLoading = ref(false);

async function save() {
  isLoading.value = true;
  try {
    await fakeRequest();
  } finally {
    isLoading.value = false;
  }
}

function fakeRequest() {
  return new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 1000));
}
</script>
```

The button label and disabled state both react to `isLoading`.

## `computed`: derived state

A `computed` value is calculated from other reactive values.

```ts
import { ref, computed } from 'vue';

const firstName = ref('Ada');
const lastName = ref('Lovelace');

const fullName = computed(() => {
  return `${firstName.value} ${lastName.value}`;
});
```

Use `computed` when a value can be derived instead of stored manually.

Bad pattern:

```ts
const firstName = ref('Ada');
const lastName = ref('Lovelace');
const fullName = ref('Ada Lovelace');
```

Now you must remember to update `fullName` yourself every time.

Better:

```ts
const fullName = computed(() => `${firstName.value} ${lastName.value}`);
```

## Python comparison

This is similar to a property.

```python
class Person:
    def __init__(self, first_name, last_name):
        self.first_name = first_name
        self.last_name = last_name

    @property
    def full_name(self):
        return f"{self.first_name} {self.last_name}"
```

Vue `computed` plays a similar role.

## Real example from your app

In FlexibilityTable, this pattern appears:

```ts
const hasValidPeriodRange = computed(() => {
  if (!selectedPeriodStartFrom.value || !selectedPeriodStartUntil.value) {
    return true;
  }

  return new Date(selectedPeriodStartFrom.value).getTime() <= new Date(selectedPeriodStartUntil.value).getTime();
});
```

This means:

- if one boundary is missing, the range is treated as valid
- if both are set, start must be before or equal to end

The component does not store `hasValidPeriodRange` manually. It derives it from the two selected dates.

## Another example: filtered list

```ts
const searchText = ref('');
const users = ref(['Alice', 'Bob', 'Charlie']);

const filteredUsers = computed(() => {
  return users.value.filter((user) =>
    user.toLowerCase().includes(searchText.value.toLowerCase()),
  );
});
```

If `searchText` changes, `filteredUsers` updates automatically.

## Rule of Thumb

Use `ref` when:

- the value changes over time
- the UI should react to that change
- the value is primary state

Use `computed` when:

- the value is calculated from other reactive values
- you do not want to duplicate state

## Common Beginner Mistakes

### forgetting `.value` in script

Wrong:

```ts
count += 1;
```

Right:

```ts
count.value += 1;
```

### using `computed` for side effects

Bad:

```ts
const result = computed(() => {
  console.log('side effect');
  return count.value * 2;
});
```

A computed should mainly calculate and return a value.

### storing what can be derived

Bad:

```ts
const selectedFirst = ref('2026-01-01');
const selectedSecond = ref('2026-01-10');
const isValid = ref(true);
```

Better:

```ts
const isValid = computed(() => selectedFirst.value <= selectedSecond.value);
```

## Tiny Exercise

What should be `ref` and what should be `computed`?

Scenario:

- user types first name
- user types last name
- screen shows full name
- submit button disabled when first name is empty

Answer:

```ts
const firstName = ref('');
const lastName = ref('');
const fullName = computed(() => `${firstName.value} ${lastName.value}`.trim());
const isSubmitDisabled = computed(() => !firstName.value.trim());
```

## Related Notes

- [[00-Vue for Python Developers]]
- [[02-Templates, v-model, and Events]]
- [[04-FlexibilityTable Filter Flow]]