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React forwardRef explained: Usage, alternatives, and React 19 update
- forwardRef is a React utility that lets a parent component pass a ref through a child component to access the child’s DOM node or instance directly.
- It enables direct interaction between parent and child components, especially when dealing with higher-order components or wrapper components.
- Refs in React allow access and interaction with DOM elements directly, bypassing typical data flow and enabling actions beyond props and state.
- Common use cases for refs include managing focus, text selection, media playback, triggering animations, integration with third-party DOM libraries, and measuring element dimensions.
- While powerful, refs should be used sparingly to maintain code clarity and readability, favoring props and state for data flow.
- Creating and attaching refs in class components involves using createRef to create a ref and associating it with a DOM element for direct manipulation.
- In functional components, refs cannot be attached directly, but forwardRef allows for ref forwarding, enabling parent components to interact with child components' DOM elements.
- useImperativeHandle works with forwardRef to customize instance values exposed when using refs, providing more control and functionality.
- Refs should not be used unnecessarily in React, especially for unnecessary DOM manipulation, accessing internal states of child components, or replacing controlled components.
- Choose between forwardRef, useRef, callback refs, React Context, and useImperativeHandle based on the component hierarchy and the need for direct DOM access.
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