Understanding Why props Data Isn’t Updating in React Using useLocation()

This guide explains why data passed through props in React doesn't update when using `useLocation()`, and how to fix the issue for a smoother user experience.
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Understanding Why props Data Isn’t Updating in React Using useLocation()

As a developer, you may run into scenarios where it feels like the props you are passing in a React application are not updating as expected. This issue can become particularly prominent when using routing with Link and useLocation(). Let’s explore the problem you've encountered and how to effectively resolve it.

The Problem Explained

In your React application, you are attempting to pass data from one component to another using the Link component. More specifically, you are using the state attribute of the Link to pass a product object. However, when you navigate to the ProductCardView, it seems the product data doesn't change appropriately, even though you expect it to do so. Here’s a brief outline of what you’ve implemented:

Data Transfer via Link:
You use the Link component to navigate to the ProductCardView and pass the product data.

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

Receiving Data with useLocation:
In the ProductCardView, you're using useLocation() to extract the passed product data.

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

Data Consistency Issue:
When interacting with the Link, while data changes occur, the same data is also sent to another component (e.g., ProductCardInfo), which causes confusion.

Why It Happens

The primary reason for this behavior is that the productState variable in your ProductCardView is not reactive. In React, for data to automatically update in response to changes, it must be held in state using hooks like useState, or you can pass the useLocation() state directly into child component props. When you use state from useLocation(), it is not automatically re-evaluated in the child components without explicitly managing that state.

How to Fix It

To ensure your component reacts to prop changes properly, you can simply adjust how you're passing data through props. Let’s modify your code for improved reactivity:

Step 1: Refactor CategoryViewDesktop to Take Props Directly

Update your CategoryViewDesktop to directly accept the state from useLocation() rather than wrapping it inside another state object:

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

Step 2: Update ProductCardView to Pass State Directly

Next, clean up your ProductCardView to pass the state directly to the CategoryViewDesktop:

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

Conclusion

By passing the state directly instead of creating a copy with productState, you allow CategoryViewDesktop to respond to updates correctly. This approach ensures your component reflects the latest product information whenever the Link interaction occurs.

Final Thoughts

React's state management can sometimes be tricky, especially when dealing with routing and props. By understanding how Link and useLocation() interact, and structuring how you pass props effectively, you can create a more seamless user experience.

If you find yourself struggling with similar issues, remember that ensuring your components are listening for changes involves careful management of state and props!