What is the difference between componentDidUpdate and useEffect?

What is the difference between componentDidUpdate and useEffect in React?

componentDidUpdate is a lifecycle method in class components, while useEffect is a hook for functional components. They both handle side effects, but useEffect can run after every render or conditionally based on dependencies.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use componentDidUpdate when you need to perform an action after a component updates, like fetching new data based on props. Use useEffect for similar cases in functional components, but you can also control when it runs with dependency arrays.

Are there any performance implications between the two?

Yes, useEffect can be optimized with dependency arrays to prevent unnecessary re-renders, while componentDidUpdate can lead to performance issues if not managed properly, especially if it triggers state updates.

Which one is recommended for new React projects?

For new projects, it's recommended to use functional components with hooks like useEffect, as they provide a cleaner and more concise way to manage side effects.