CODEWITHSUNDEEP
javascriptreactjs
S.j. Sakib
S.j. Sakib

Reputation: 466

Why do we need refs to keep mutable objects around?

The useRef documentation says it is handy for keeping any mutable value around. I was wondering why we can't just use a variable in the outer scope of the component for that purpose?

// the object I want to keep around
let obj;

function MyComponent() {
  useEffect(() => {
    obj =  //some code
  }, []);

  return (...)
}

It works, doesn't it? So why exactly is useRef better?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 56

Answers (1)

Pierre V.
Pierre V.

Reputation: 1625

The variable in the outer scope is shared between instances of your component. useRef will create a mutable object local to your component (and it will stay around as long as your component is mounted).

Upvotes: 2

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