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

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

Some best practices include: 1) Specify dependencies correctly, 2) Avoid side effects in the render phase, 3) Clean up effects to prevent memory leaks.

Can you explain what dependencies mean in this context?

Dependencies are values that the effect relies on. If they change, the effect will re-run. It's crucial to list them accurately.

What happens if I don't include all dependencies?

If you omit dependencies, your effect may not run when it should, leading to stale data or unexpected behavior.

How do I clean up effects properly?

You can return a cleanup function from your effect. This function will run before the component unmounts or before the effect re-runs.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid?

Yes, common mistakes include forgetting to include dependencies, causing infinite loops, and not cleaning up effects.