What is the purpose and difference between these functions?
read()
Use read to the get the value of/in provider just once (one-time read). It's not recommened to use inside build() method.
watch()
Use watch to the get the value of/in provider the first time and every time the value changes (see it like you're subscribing to the provider, so you get notified any time there's a change)
listen()
listen is similar to watch. The main difference is the return type. watch returns the new value directly, listen returns a void but gives access to the new value and the old value with a callback (See examples below)
Where and where not can I use these functions?
You can use read in places like initState , callbacks like onPressed etc. watch and listen should not be called asynchronously, like inside an onPressed of an ElevatedButton. Nor should it be used inside initState and other State life-cycles.
When should I use these functions?
read()
Use read when you want to value of the provider only once.
watch()
Use watch when you want to always get the value.
