KITFORMA · EDITORIAL ANSWER
Why does updating a React ref not update the counter on screen?
KitForma editorial guide. A ref is mutable storage that does not request rendering.
Step-by-step answer
A ref is mutable storage that does not request rendering. Put values that determine visible output in state:
setCount(n => n + 1). Use refs for timer IDs, DOM nodes or values needed only by imperative callbacks. Verify the displayed count changes without an unrelated click. Reading ref.current during rendering to implement visible state can also produce inconsistent behavior as rendering evolves.Sources and verification
Sources checked:
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