useRef vs createRef in React: Difference and Trade Off

In React, useRef and createRef are two commonly used tools for managing references to DOM elements or values within functional components. While both can achieve similar outcomes, they have distinct differences in terms of usage and behavior.

This blog post will explore the differences between useRef and createRef, their use cases, and provide guidance on when to choose one over the other in React applications.

Table of Content

1. Difference between useRef vs createRef
   1. createRef()
   2. useRef Hook
   3. Key Differences
2. Use Cases
3. When to use useRef or createRef()

Difference between useRef vs createRef

Let's start by understanding the fundamental differences between useRef and createRef in React.

createRef()

createRef is a method available in React that allows you to create a ref object to access DOM nodes or React elements within a class component. When you use createRef, React creates a ref object and attaches it to the component instance, which can then be used to reference DOM elements or React components.

class MyComponent extends React.Component {
  constructor(props) {
    super(props);
    this.myRef = React.createRef();
  }

  render() {
    return <div ref={this.myRef}>Hello, World!</div>;
  }
}

useRef Hook

useRef is a Hook in React that allows you to create a mutable ref object to store mutable values or references to DOM nodes within functional components. Unlike createRef, useRef does not attach the ref to the component instance. Instead, it returns a mutable ref object that persists across re-renders.

import { useRef } from "react";

const MyComponent = () => {
  const myRef = useRef(null);

  return <div ref={myRef}>Hello, World!</div>;
};

Key Differences

Feature	useRef()	createRef()
Component Type	Used in Functional Components	Primarily used in Class Components
Persistence	Same ref object persists across re-renders	Creates a new ref object on every render
Mutability	Mutable object (current can be updated)	Ref object is managed by React
Re-renders	Updating current does not trigger a re-render	Updating current does not trigger a re-render
Lifecycle Usage	Works with Hooks (useEffect, etc.)	Commonly accessed in lifecycle methods
Functional Updates	Can store mutable values across renders	Not intended for storing mutable values
Common Use Cases	DOM access, timers, previous values, mutable state	DOM access in class components
Example	const inputRef = useRef(null)	this.inputRef = React.createRef()

Use Cases

Let's explore some common use cases where you might choose useRef or createRef in your React applications.

useRef Use Cases

• Managing Focus: Keeping track of focused elements and managing focus programmatically.
• Storing Previous Values: Storing previous values for comparison in useEffect hooks.
• Accessing DOM Elements: Referencing and manipulating DOM elements directly within functional components.

createRef Use Cases

• Accessing Child Components: Accessing child components or DOM nodes within class components.
• Integrating with Third-Party Libraries: Interfacing with third-party libraries that require a ref to interact with DOM elements.
• Handling Animations: Managing animations or interactions that rely on direct access to DOM elements.

When to Choose useRef or createRef

The decision to use useRef or createRef depends on the specific requirements of your React application. Here are some guidelines to help you choose between the two:

• Functional Components: If you are working with functional components, useRef is the preferred choice due to its compatibility with Hooks.
• Mutability: If you need a mutable ref that persists across renders and supports functional updates, opt for useRef.
• Class Components: For class components or when direct access to lifecycle methods is required, use createRef.
• Interacting with DOM: When your use case involves direct manipulation of DOM elements, consider using useRef for functional components or createRef for class components.

Final Thoughts

In summary, both useRef and createRef are valuable tools in React for managing references to DOM elements and values. Understanding the differences between the two and knowing when to choose one over the other can help you write more efficient and maintainable React applications. By leveraging useRef and createRef effectively based on your specific requirements, you can enhance the functionality and performance of your React components.

Further Reading

1. 100+ Top React JS Questions and Answers
2. 20 Most Asked Custom Hooks in React
3. useState vs useReducer in React
4. useEffect vs useLayoutEffect in React