Solving the useEffect Trigger Issue in React with Refs

Learn how to properly handle state updates in React using `useState` rather than `useRef` for effective component re-renders.
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Understanding the useEffect Trigger Issue in React

The Problem

Imagine you've created a popup for users to add information to an application, but your popup contains various reusable components. You want to show or hide a button based on the validity of the inputs. However, you encounter an issue where the useEffect does not get triggered when using useRef to track the state of the inputs. This dilemma typically occurs when you use useRef to store values that are necessary for validation checks within your components.

Here's a simplified version of the AddStock component that illustrates the problem:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Core of the Problem

Key Points to Understand:

useRef is for persistence across renders: It doesn’t cause the component to re-render when its value changes.

Use useState for data that changes: When you want the component to re-render based on data changes, opt for useState.

The Solution

As per React's philosophy, it's essential that all data resides within the context of React. This means even input values should be managed via React's own state mechanism, thus ensuring they trigger re-renders when modified.

Step-by-step Guide to Implementing the Solution

Replace useRef with useState: Instead of storing validation directly in a ref, track it using state.

Implement Validation within State Changes: Use the state to track whether values are valid or not. This allows useEffect to respond properly to changes within the state.

Here's an example of how you might modify your AddStock component:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Changes to the SelectTypeOfQuantity Component

Make sure to use a callback to inform the parent component of changes in the select component directly, allowing you to manage the input state more efficiently:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Managing state in React requires an understanding of the different hooks and how they affect component lifecycles. By using useState instead of useRef to track values that require a reactive response, you ensure your components behave as expected. Next time you run into a similar issue, remember this approach for a smoother development experience.