How to Properly Handle File Uploads in React.js without Multiple useState Calls

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The Problem

To give you context, consider the following examples:

Example One: Using useState for Form Data

In your first example, you've set up a form with file inputs and a state object for other form values:

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

Here, the issue is that the file input does not have a direct string value to utilize, which leads to limitations in how we can handle it when it changes.

Example Two: Separate State for File Input

In the second example, you opted to create a separate piece of state for the file input:

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

This allows you to access the uploaded file directly but increases complexity by introducing additional state management.

The Solution

So how can we access the file uploaded in a more efficient manner without having to separate our state? The key is to adjust your onChange method to handle file uploads directly within your existing formData state. Here’s how:

Using the Correct onChange Method

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

Breakdown of the Code Snippet

Summary

Next time you find yourself designing a form that includes file uploads, remember the power of using one useState hook effectively. This will keep your state logic concise and manageable.

Happy coding!