Ref as a Prop
Learn how React 19 allows function components to receive ref as a prop.
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In React, we often update the UI declaratively using state and props. But sometimes we need direct access to a DOM element—like focusing an input, measuring its size, or starting an animation. That’s where ref
comes in.
What is ref
?
A ref
(short for “reference”) gives us a direct line to a DOM node or a component instance. It’s like telling React:
“Hey, can I get the actual DOM element so I can do something with it?”
This makes it possible to interact with the DOM directly, without going through React’s state-driven rendering.
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