What are the best practices for using the useEffect hook in React?

What are the best practices for using the useEffect hook in React?

When using the useEffect hook, it's important to keep your dependencies array accurate to avoid unnecessary re-renders.

Can you explain what the dependencies array is?

The dependencies array is the second argument of useEffect. It tells React when to re-run the effect based on the values inside it.

What happens if I leave the dependencies array empty?

If you leave it empty, the effect will only run once after the initial render, similar to componentDidMount.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid with useEffect?

Yes, common mistakes include forgetting to include dependencies, causing stale closures, and performing side effects directly in the render.