AngularJS Data service vs $rootScope events

Question

Can you please explain the use use of data services vs the use of $rootScope events.

I have a list of say branches which provides edit functionality. On click of edit button I am broadcasting an event with root scope using

$rootScope.$broadcast('EditBranch', branchID);

This EditBranch event is captured by edit/create controller which fetches the branch details and renders it in a proper edit format.

Other function is I am adding a new branch and I want it to be listed in existing branch list as soon as it is added. the code used is as follows

$rootScope.$broadcast('AddBranch', branchData);   //in create controller

$scope.$on('AddBranch', function(e, branchData){  //in listing controller 
    $scope.branches.push(branchData);
});

Is it right to use $rootScope this way. Or should I create a shredService for sharing branch data after I create it.

Answer 1

It may not be easy to say if one approach is better than the other. However, I would use a shared service in this case since it is all about manipulating the same data, branch (I suppose). $broadcast and $on are more appropriate in situations where different "independent" components of your application could be listening for an event and each of these components could response differently when the event occurs.