We will explore the definition of a state in ReactJS in this tutorial. Components are reusable parts of the user interface, and they form the foundation of React, a well-known JavaScript toolkit for creating UIs. React's dynamic and interactive character is made possible by a basic concept called "state." Comprehending React's current state is essential for developing interactive and responsive web applications. The definition of a state, its operation, and the best methods for managing it in React are all covered at length in this tutorial.


state in react js

Table Content

1. What is State?

2. Key Characteristics of State

3. Using State in Functional Components

4. Using State in Class Components

5. Best Practices for Managing State

6. Conclusion:


1. What is State?

In React, a state is an object that contains data or component-specific information. In essence, it is a JavaScript object that contains dynamic data and controls the behavior and rendering of the component. The state is kept internally by the component and is modifiable over time, in contrast to props, which are read-only and passed down from parent to child components.


2. Key Characteristics of State

Local to the Component: The state is contained within the component or is local. It is not directly modifiable or accessible by other components.

Mutable: In contrast, states are modifiable. The setState function can be used by a component to control its state.

Triggers Re-rendering: React automatically re-renders the component to reflect the updated state when the state changes.


3. Using State in Functional Components

Version 16.8 introduced us to React Hooks, which allow the state to be used by functional components. You can add a state to a functional component by using the useState hook.

import React, { useState } from 'react';

function Counter() {
  // Declare a state variable named 'count', initialized to 0
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);

  return (
    <div>
      <p>You clicked {count} times</p>
      <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>
        Click me
      </button>
    </div>
  );
}

export default Counter;

In this example:

useState(0) initializes the state variable count to 0.

setCount is a function that updates the state.

When the button is clicked, setCount(count + 1) updates the state, causing the component to re-render and display the updated count.


4. Using State in Class Components

Before hooks, the state was only available in class components. Here’s how you can use state in a class component:

import React, { Component } from 'react';

class Counter extends Component {
  constructor(props) {
    super(props);
    // Initialize state
    this.state = {
      count: 0
    };
  }

  render() {
    return (
      <div>
        <p>You clicked {this.state.count} times</p>
        <button onClick={() => this.setState({ count: this.state.count + 1 })}>
          Click me
        </button>
      </div>
    );
  }
}

export default Counter;

In this example:

The state is initialized in the constructor using this.state.

this.setState is used to update the state, which triggers a re-render.


5. Best Practices for Managing State

Keep State Minimal: Keep only the most important data in the state. Data that can be computed or derived shouldn't be kept in the state.

Lift State: Lift the state to the closest common ancestor and send it down via props if more than one component has to share a given state.

Immutable Updates: Never consider the state to be changeable. To avoid directly changing state, utilize functional updates with functions like useState or setState.

Use Local State for UI Controls: Use local state for basic UI states, such as form inputs. Think about utilizing a state management toolkit like Redux or Context API for more complicated states.


6. Conclusion:

React's fundamental concept of state makes it possible for components to be dynamic and interactive. Building successful React apps requires knowing how to manage and update state, whether using class components or functional components with hooks. Developers can create UIs that are both responsive and maintainable by adhering to best practices and utilizing state efficiently.