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React Essentials · Hooks · Lesson 10 of 26

useRef for Mutable Values

Concept

useRef for Mutable Values

useRef stores a value that persists across renders without causing a re-render, often used to access DOM elements directly.

By the end of this lesson
  • Explain the core idea behind useRef for Mutable Values.
  • Predict output before running a change.
  • Test one realistic and one unusual input.
  • Use the result to make the next decision.
How to study this page
  1. 1. Read one concept.
  2. 2. Change the example.
  3. 3. Run, compare, and explain.
  4. 4. Complete the challenge below.
ExampleRunnable
const inputRef = useRef(null);

<input ref={inputRef} />;
Try it Yourself »
Self-check before continuing

Without looking at the example, describe what changes when you modify one input in useRef for Mutable Values. Then reopen the editor and prove your explanation with a small test.

You are ready to continue when you can predict, test, and explain the result.

Your turn

Use useRef to focus an input element when a button is clicked.

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Console

Output will appear here...