useRef is a React Hook used to create a mutable reference object for persistent values across renders.It allows direct access to DOM elements and does not trigger a re-render when .current value is changed.Key Characteristics of useRef include a mutable .current property, no re-render on change, and persistence across renders.It is safe to mutate ref.current inside event handlers or useEffect, but generally avoided during the rendering phase.Common use cases of useRef include accessing DOM nodes directly and storing mutable values like instance variables.For accessing DOM nodes, useRef is used to create a reference and attach it to a JSX element for direct manipulation.Ref persistent values can be updated without triggering re-renders, making it suitable for managing timers or internal states.useState triggers re-renders on value changes, while useRef does not, making it ideal for non-UI related mutable values.Understanding when to use useRef over useState is crucial for efficient React component development.useRef is recommended for direct DOM access and storing mutable data without impacting UI rendering.