# Communicating state for Stripe Apps

Learn how to guide users to take actions in your app.

Keep the user informed by showing them when they need to take a certain action.

## Before you begin

[Create an app](https://docs.stripe.com/stripe-apps/create-app.md).

## Suggested use

- Use a [Toast](https://docs.stripe.com/stripe-apps/components/toast.md) component to provide temporary feedback after users take an action.
- Use a [Banner](https://docs.stripe.com/stripe-apps/components/banner.md) component to show users they need to take action on unexpected system-level requirements, changes, or issues. For example:
![On the left, a green check Toast on download. On the right, a red Notice on error.](https://b.stripecdn.com/docs-statics-srv/assets/communicating-state.a613d037f8e0b3bd8a6aa7199e708c8d.png)

## Examples

Consider the following attributes when choosing to deliver a message.

|              | Toast                                                                                                                                                  | Banner                                                                                                                                     |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
|              | ![Green check Toast example with text 'Changes saved'](https://b.stripecdn.com/docs-statics-srv/assets/Toast.e17b36572b25d60725b4bc24098b77b9.png)     | ![ Banner example with text 'New updates'](https://b.stripecdn.com/docs-statics-srv/assets/Notice.0435a3a4999b7189e67fba5c18dae242.png)    |
| **Display**  | **Temporary**

  All toasts trigger on users’ actions. Toasts dismiss automatically after a short period or when the app closes.                       | **Persistent**

  You can deliver banners at any time. Dismissing a banner requires an action.                                             |
| **Content**  | **Limited text length**

  Messages for toasts should be short, and fewer than four words on one line. The maximum character length for a toast is 30. | **Medium to long message**

  Banners contain title and body text. Banners are suitable for providing information with additional details. |
| **Action**   | **Optional**

  Provide an action as a shortcut for users to quickly enter the related event.                                                          | **Required**

  Inform users to take the required action.                                                                                  |
| **Position** | **Bottom of the app drawer**                                                                                                                           | **Under app drawer header**                                                                                                                |