Controlled Components in React
Learn how React turns form inputs into predictable, state-driven components that keep user input perfectly synchronized with application data.
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When building interactive applications, forms are essential for capturing user data. However, relying on direct DOM manipulation to manage inputs often leads to unpredictable results and scattered logic. React introduces a more reliable pattern called controlled components — where every input field’s value is derived from the component’s state. This approach makes form data predictable, easier to debug, and fully aligned with React’s declarative model.
In a controlled form, React takes full control of the input’s value. The input element reflects state, and every change updates that state through event handlers. This two-way synchronization ensures that the UI always mirrors the underlying data, creating a single, consistent source of truth.
Understanding controlled components
A controlled component is a form input element — such as an <input>, <textarea>, or <select> — whose value is controlled by React state. ...