/vue-best-practices

Suspense Component Best Practices

Impact: MEDIUM - <Suspense> coordinates async dependencies (async components or async setup) and renders a fallback while they resolve. Misconfiguration leads to missing loading states, empty renders, or subtle UX bugs.

Task List

• Wrap default and fallback slot content in a single root node
• Use timeout when you need the fallback to appear on reverts
• Force root replacement with :key when you need Suspense to re-trigger
• Add suspensible to nested Suspense boundaries (Vue 3.3+)
• Use @pending, @resolve, and @fallback for programmatic loading state
• Nest RouterView -> Transition -> KeepAlive -> Suspense in that order
• Keep Suspense usage centralized and documented in production

Single Root in Default and Fallback Slots

Suspense tracks a single immediate child in both slots. Wrap multiple elements in a single element or component.

BAD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <AsyncHeader />
    <AsyncList />

    <template #fallback>
      <LoadingSpinner />
      <LoadingHint />
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

GOOD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <div>
      <AsyncHeader />
      <AsyncList />
    </div>

    <template #fallback>
      <div>
        <LoadingSpinner />
        <LoadingHint />
      </div>
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

Fallback Timing on Reverts (timeout)

When Suspense is already resolved and new async work starts, the previous content remains visible until the timeout elapses. Use timeout="0" for immediate fallback or a short delay to avoid flicker.

BAD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <component :is="currentView" :key="viewKey" />

    <template #fallback>
      Loading...
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

GOOD:

<template>
  <Suspense :timeout="200">
    <component :is="currentView" :key="viewKey" />

    <template #fallback>
      Loading...
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

Pending State Only Re-triggers on Root Replacement

Once resolved, Suspense only re-enters pending when the root node of the default slot changes. If async work happens deeper in the tree, no fallback appears.

BAD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <TabContainer>
      <AsyncDashboard v-if="tab === 'dashboard'" />
      <AsyncSettings v-else />
    </TabContainer>

    <template #fallback>
      Loading...
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

GOOD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <component :is="tabs[tab]" :key="tab" />

    <template #fallback>
      Loading...
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

Use suspensible for Nested Suspense (Vue 3.3+)

Nested Suspense boundaries need suspensible on the inner boundary so the parent can coordinate loading state. Without it, inner async content may render empty nodes until resolved.

BAD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <LayoutShell>
      <Suspense>
        <AsyncWidget />
        <template #fallback>Loading widget...</template>
      </Suspense>
    </LayoutShell>

    <template #fallback>Loading layout...</template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

GOOD:

<template>
  <Suspense>
    <LayoutShell>
      <Suspense suspensible>
        <AsyncWidget />
        <template #fallback>Loading widget...</template>
      </Suspense>
    </LayoutShell>

    <template #fallback>Loading layout...</template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

Track Loading with Suspense Events

Use @pending, @resolve, and @fallback for analytics, global loading indicators, or coordinating UI outside the Suspense boundary.

<script setup>
import { ref } from 'vue'

const isLoading = ref(false)

const onPending = () => {
  isLoading.value = true
}

const onResolve = () => {
  isLoading.value = false
}
</script>

<template>
  <LoadingBar v-if="isLoading" />

  <Suspense @pending="onPending" @resolve="onResolve">
    <AsyncPage />
    <template #fallback>
      <PageSkeleton />
    </template>
  </Suspense>
</template>

Recommended Nesting with RouterView, Transition, KeepAlive

When combining these components, the nesting order should be RouterView -> Transition -> KeepAlive -> Suspense so each wrapper works correctly.

BAD:

<template>
  <RouterView v-slot="{ Component }">
    <Suspense>
      <KeepAlive>
        <Transition mode="out-in">
          <component :is="Component" />
        </Transition>
      </KeepAlive>
    </Suspense>
  </RouterView>
</template>

GOOD:

<template>
  <RouterView v-slot="{ Component }">
    <Transition mode="out-in">
      <KeepAlive>
        <Suspense>
          <component :is="Component" />
          <template #fallback>Loading...</template>
        </Suspense>
      </KeepAlive>
    </Transition>
  </RouterView>
</template>

Treat Suspense Cautiously in Production

In production code, keep Suspense boundaries minimal, document where they are used, and have a fallback loading strategy if you ever need to replace or refactor them.