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What is the virtual DOM in React?

Asked on Sep 23, 2024

Answer

The virtual DOM in React is a lightweight, in-memory representation of the actual DOM. React uses it to optimize updates by minimizing direct manipulation of the real DOM, which can be slow.
// Example of React component using virtual DOM
        import React, { useState } from 'react';

        function Counter() {
            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;
Additional Comment:
  • React keeps a virtual DOM to efficiently update the real DOM.
  • When state changes, React creates a new virtual DOM tree.
  • React compares this new tree with the previous one (a process called "reconciliation").
  • Only the differences are updated in the real DOM, improving performance.
  • This approach is particularly beneficial for complex UIs with frequent updates.
✅ Answered with JavaScript best practices.
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