juniorReact Hooks
What is useRef used for in React?
Updated May 6, 2026
Short answer
useRef stores mutable values that persist without causing re-renders.
Deep explanation
It returns a ref object with a .current property. It is useful for accessing DOM elements or storing mutable values.
Real-world example
Focusing an input field programmatically.
Common mistakes
- Using useRef for reactive state instead of useState.
Follow-up questions
- Does changing useRef trigger re-render?
- When should useRef be preferred over state?