REACT HOOKS
React Hooks are functions that allow you to use state and other React features in functional components. Before hooks, React developers had to use class components to manage state, lifecycle methods, and side effects. With hooks, you can now do all of this and more in functional components, which are simpler and easier to work with.
Here are the most common React Hooks:
useState – Managing State in Functional Components
useState lets you add state to your functional components. It’s a simple way to track values like form input, counters, or toggles in your app.
Example Use: Tracking the number of clicks on a button.
useEffect – Handling Side Effects
useEffect allows you to run side effects in your component, like fetching data or updating the DOM. It runs after the component renders and can be customized to run only when certain values change.
Example Use: Fetching data from an API after the component loads.
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useContext – Sharing Data Across Components
useContext helps you access context values (like a user’s authentication status or app theme) without needing to pass props down through every level of your component tree.
Example Use: Getting the current theme (light or dark) for your app.
useRef – Accessing DOM Elements
useRef gives you a way to directly access and interact with DOM elements, such as input fields or buttons, without causing a re-render.
Example Use: Focusing an input field programmatically.
Why Use React Hooks?
Conclusion: Why Hooks Are Essential
React Hooks make it easier to work with functional components, allowing you to manage state and perform side effects without the complexity of class components. They simplify the way you write React code and help make your apps more efficient and maintainable.