What Is a Dynamic Component in Vue?

In Vue, dynamic components let you switch or load a component programmatically, deciding at runtime which component is displayed.

There are several ways to use dynamic components in Vue. Here are some of them:

1. The <component> element: Vue has a built-in <component> element. Its is prop decides which component is displayed:

   <template>
     <component :is="currentComponent"></component>
   </template>
   
   <script>
   export default {
     data() {
       return {
         currentComponent: 'MyComponent',
       };
     },
   };
   </script>

   Here the currentComponent data property decides which component is shown; your application logic can change it at any time.

2. With <keep-alive>: Vue's <keep-alive> element keeps dynamic components in memory and reuses them — useful when a component's state should be preserved while switching:

   <template>
     <keep-alive>
       <component :is="currentComponent"></component>
     </keep-alive>
   </template>

3. With v-if or v-show: the decision to show a component can also be made with the v-if or v-show directives, adding or removing components under certain conditions:

   <template>
     <div>
       <my-component v-if="shouldShowComponent"></my-component>
     </div>
   </template>
   
   <script>
   export default {
     data() {
       return {
         shouldShowComponent: true,
       };
     },
   };
   </script>

These are only a few ways of using dynamic components in Vue; which one to choose depends on the needs and structure of your application.