TanStack Query

Use this skill to apply current, source-backed TanStack guidance. Keep answers aligned with installed package source first, official TanStack docs second, and package-shipped skills third. Read references/current-authority.md when APIs, versions, CLI commands, or source freshness materially affect the task.

Decision Tree

• Need server-state cache? Use Query with stable queryOptions and hierarchical keys.
• Need live Convex subscriptions? Let Convex own live state; do not duplicate it into Query unless using the Convex Query adapter intentionally.
• Need route prefetch? Use the same queryOptions in loaders and components.
• Need mutation UI? Choose invalidation, optimistic cache update, or UI-level optimistic variables based on scope.

Rules

• Read rules/loading-states.md for first-load, background-refresh, Suspense, and pending UI ownership.
• Read rules/mutations.md for useMutation, lifecycle callbacks, shared pending UI, and side-effect placement.
• rules/cache-defaults.md
• rules/disabling-queries.md
• rules/error-boundaries.md
• rules/eslint.md
• rules/infinite-queries.md
• rules/invalidation.md
• rules/key-factories.md
• rules/optimistic-updates.md
• rules/query-keys.md
• rules/query-options.md
• rules/ssr-hydration.md

Cross-Stack Cautions

• In TanStack Start apps, loaders are isomorphic; server-only work belongs behind server functions, server routes, or server-only modules.
• In Convex apps, Convex reactive queries own live backend state unless the repo intentionally routes through @convex-dev/react-query.
• In Clerk apps, Router guards improve UX but server functions, server routes, and Convex functions must enforce authorization.
• In Bun-first repos, prefer Bun commands for local workflow examples unless quoting official docs.

Verification

• Check exact installed package versions and source when behavior is version-sensitive.
• Use tanstack search-docs ... --json or tanstack doc ... --json for official docs lookup when the CLI is installed.
• Run the repo's typecheck, route generation, and relevant tests after implementing guidance.
• For skill maintenance, run python3 tools/skill/quick_validate.py skills/tanstack-query and python3 tools/skill/check_tanstack_skills.py --root . from dev-skills.