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Simon Coates
8,481 PointsHow does ref open access to other parts of the app?
The tutor says something like "if you're building a larger app, where a searchText may be used in other parts of the app. Or you simply don't want a state that dependent on another state, you can also use a ref to access the value of the input field.".
I'm very uncertain how switching to a ref gives you broader access. The obvious way to make the searchText available to "other parts of the app" would be to lift the state. Does anyone have some insight as I'm feeling like I'm missing something. Appreciate it.
1 Answer
Travis Alstrand
Treehouse Project ReviewerIt seems there might be some confusion about the context, and understandably so, the line kind of threw me off for a moment too. But, a ref doesn't provide broader access across the app. Instead, in scenarios where searchText is not part of the "app state" and is only needed within the component (e.g., for direct access to the input value on form submission), a ref is a lightweight alternative to managing state.
For making searchText available across different parts of a larger app, lifting state would indeed be the standard approach. The key takeaway is: use state when you need React to track and react to changes; use ref for simple, non-reactive access to DOM elements or values.
Simon Coates
8,481 PointsSimon Coates
8,481 PointsThanks for the response. I feel a little less stupid.