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AGENTS.md
1# React Best Practices23**Version 1.0.0**4Vercel Engineering5January 202667> **Note:**8> This document is mainly for agents and LLMs to follow when maintaining,9> generating, or refactoring React and Next.js codebases. Humans10> may also find it useful, but guidance here is optimized for automation11> and consistency by AI-assisted workflows.1213---1415## Abstract1617Comprehensive performance optimization guide for React and Next.js applications, designed for AI agents and LLMs. Contains 40+ rules across 8 categories, prioritized by impact from critical (eliminating waterfalls, reducing bundle size) to incremental (advanced patterns). Each rule includes detailed explanations, real-world examples comparing incorrect vs. correct implementations, and specific impact metrics to guide automated refactoring and code generation.1819---2021## Table of Contents22231. [Eliminating Waterfalls](#1-eliminating-waterfalls) — **CRITICAL**24- 1.1 [Check Cheap Conditions Before Async Flags](#11-check-cheap-conditions-before-async-flags)25- 1.2 [Defer Await Until Needed](#12-defer-await-until-needed)26- 1.3 [Dependency-Based Parallelization](#13-dependency-based-parallelization)27- 1.4 [Prevent Waterfall Chains in API Routes](#14-prevent-waterfall-chains-in-api-routes)28- 1.5 [Promise.all() for Independent Operations](#15-promiseall-for-independent-operations)29- 1.6 [Strategic Suspense Boundaries](#16-strategic-suspense-boundaries)302. [Bundle Size Optimization](#2-bundle-size-optimization) — **CRITICAL**31- 2.1 [Avoid Barrel File Imports](#21-avoid-barrel-file-imports)32- 2.2 [Conditional Module Loading](#22-conditional-module-loading)33- 2.3 [Defer Non-Critical Third-Party Libraries](#23-defer-non-critical-third-party-libraries)34- 2.4 [Dynamic Imports for Heavy Components](#24-dynamic-imports-for-heavy-components)35- 2.5 [Prefer Statically Analyzable Paths](#25-prefer-statically-analyzable-paths)36- 2.6 [Preload Based on User Intent](#26-preload-based-on-user-intent)373. [Server-Side Performance](#3-server-side-performance) — **HIGH**38- 3.1 [Authenticate Server Actions Like API Routes](#31-authenticate-server-actions-like-api-routes)39- 3.2 [Avoid Duplicate Serialization in RSC Props](#32-avoid-duplicate-serialization-in-rsc-props)40- 3.3 [Avoid Shared Module State for Request Data](#33-avoid-shared-module-state-for-request-data)41- 3.4 [Cross-Request LRU Caching](#34-cross-request-lru-caching)42- 3.5 [Hoist Static I/O to Module Level](#35-hoist-static-io-to-module-level)43- 3.6 [Minimize Serialization at RSC Boundaries](#36-minimize-serialization-at-rsc-boundaries)44- 3.7 [Parallel Data Fetching with Component Composition](#37-parallel-data-fetching-with-component-composition)45- 3.8 [Parallel Nested Data Fetching](#38-parallel-nested-data-fetching)46- 3.9 [Per-Request Deduplication with React.cache()](#39-per-request-deduplication-with-reactcache)47- 3.10 [Use after() for Non-Blocking Operations](#310-use-after-for-non-blocking-operations)484. [Client-Side Data Fetching](#4-client-side-data-fetching) — **MEDIUM-HIGH**49- 4.1 [Deduplicate Global Event Listeners](#41-deduplicate-global-event-listeners)50- 4.2 [Use Passive Event Listeners for Scrolling Performance](#42-use-passive-event-listeners-for-scrolling-performance)51- 4.3 [Use SWR for Automatic Deduplication](#43-use-swr-for-automatic-deduplication)52- 4.4 [Version and Minimize localStorage Data](#44-version-and-minimize-localstorage-data)535. [Re-render Optimization](#5-re-render-optimization) — **MEDIUM**54- 5.1 [Calculate Derived State During Rendering](#51-calculate-derived-state-during-rendering)55- 5.2 [Defer State Reads to Usage Point](#52-defer-state-reads-to-usage-point)56- 5.3 [Do not wrap a simple expression with a primitive result type in useMemo](#53-do-not-wrap-a-simple-expression-with-a-primitive-result-type-in-usememo)57- 5.4 [Don't Define Components Inside Components](#54-dont-define-components-inside-components)58- 5.5 [Extract Default Non-primitive Parameter Value from Memoized Component to Constant](#55-extract-default-non-primitive-parameter-value-from-memoized-component-to-constant)59- 5.6 [Extract to Memoized Components](#56-extract-to-memoized-components)60- 5.7 [Narrow Effect Dependencies](#57-narrow-effect-dependencies)61- 5.8 [Put Interaction Logic in Event Handlers](#58-put-interaction-logic-in-event-handlers)62- 5.9 [Split Combined Hook Computations](#59-split-combined-hook-computations)63- 5.10 [Subscribe to Derived State](#510-subscribe-to-derived-state)64- 5.11 [Use Functional setState Updates](#511-use-functional-setstate-updates)65- 5.12 [Use Lazy State Initialization](#512-use-lazy-state-initialization)66- 5.13 [Use Transitions for Non-Urgent Updates](#513-use-transitions-for-non-urgent-updates)67- 5.14 [Use useDeferredValue for Expensive Derived Renders](#514-use-usedeferredvalue-for-expensive-derived-renders)68- 5.15 [Use useRef for Transient Values](#515-use-useref-for-transient-values)696. [Rendering Performance](#6-rendering-performance) — **MEDIUM**70- 6.1 [Animate SVG Wrapper Instead of SVG Element](#61-animate-svg-wrapper-instead-of-svg-element)71- 6.2 [CSS content-visibility for Long Lists](#62-css-content-visibility-for-long-lists)72- 6.3 [Hoist Static JSX Elements](#63-hoist-static-jsx-elements)73- 6.4 [Optimize SVG Precision](#64-optimize-svg-precision)74- 6.5 [Prevent Hydration Mismatch Without Flickering](#65-prevent-hydration-mismatch-without-flickering)75- 6.6 [Suppress Expected Hydration Mismatches](#66-suppress-expected-hydration-mismatches)76- 6.7 [Use Activity Component for Show/Hide](#67-use-activity-component-for-showhide)77- 6.8 [Use defer or async on Script Tags](#68-use-defer-or-async-on-script-tags)78- 6.9 [Use Explicit Conditional Rendering](#69-use-explicit-conditional-rendering)79- 6.10 [Use React DOM Resource Hints](#610-use-react-dom-resource-hints)80- 6.11 [Use useTransition Over Manual Loading States](#611-use-usetransition-over-manual-loading-states)817. [JavaScript Performance](#7-javascript-performance) — **LOW-MEDIUM**82- 7.1 [Avoid Layout Thrashing](#71-avoid-layout-thrashing)83- 7.2 [Build Index Maps for Repeated Lookups](#72-build-index-maps-for-repeated-lookups)84- 7.3 [Cache Property Access in Loops](#73-cache-property-access-in-loops)85- 7.4 [Cache Repeated Function Calls](#74-cache-repeated-function-calls)86- 7.5 [Cache Storage API Calls](#75-cache-storage-api-calls)87- 7.6 [Combine Multiple Array Iterations](#76-combine-multiple-array-iterations)88- 7.7 [Defer Non-Critical Work with requestIdleCallback](#77-defer-non-critical-work-with-requestidlecallback)89- 7.8 [Early Length Check for Array Comparisons](#78-early-length-check-for-array-comparisons)90- 7.9 [Early Return from Functions](#79-early-return-from-functions)91- 7.10 [Hoist RegExp Creation](#710-hoist-regexp-creation)92- 7.11 [Use flatMap to Map and Filter in One Pass](#711-use-flatmap-to-map-and-filter-in-one-pass)93- 7.12 [Use Loop for Min/Max Instead of Sort](#712-use-loop-for-minmax-instead-of-sort)94- 7.13 [Use Set/Map for O(1) Lookups](#713-use-setmap-for-o1-lookups)95- 7.14 [Use toSorted() Instead of sort() for Immutability](#714-use-tosorted-instead-of-sort-for-immutability)968. [Advanced Patterns](#8-advanced-patterns) — **LOW**97- 8.1 [Do Not Put Effect Events in Dependency Arrays](#81-do-not-put-effect-events-in-dependency-arrays)98- 8.2 [Initialize App Once, Not Per Mount](#82-initialize-app-once-not-per-mount)99- 8.3 [Store Event Handlers in Refs](#83-store-event-handlers-in-refs)100- 8.4 [useEffectEvent for Stable Callback Refs](#84-useeffectevent-for-stable-callback-refs)101102---103104## 1. Eliminating Waterfalls105106**Impact: CRITICAL**107108Waterfalls are the #1 performance killer. Each sequential await adds full network latency. Eliminating them yields the largest gains.109110### 1.1 Check Cheap Conditions Before Async Flags111112**Impact: HIGH (avoids unnecessary async work when a synchronous guard already fails)**113114When a branch uses `await` for a flag or remote value and also requires a **cheap synchronous** condition (local props, request metadata, already-loaded state), evaluate the cheap condition **first**. Otherwise you pay for the async call even when the compound condition can never be true.115116This is a specialization of [Defer Await Until Needed](./async-defer-await.md) for `flag && cheapCondition` style checks.117118**Incorrect:**119120```typescript121const someFlag = await getFlag()122123if (someFlag && someCondition) {124// ...125}126```127128**Correct:**129130```typescript131if (someCondition) {132const someFlag = await getFlag()133if (someFlag) {134// ...135}136}137```138139This matters when `getFlag` hits the network, a feature-flag service, or `React.cache` / DB work: skipping it when `someCondition` is false removes that cost on the cold path.140141Keep the original order if `someCondition` is expensive, depends on the flag, or you must run side effects in a fixed order.142143### 1.2 Defer Await Until Needed144145**Impact: HIGH (avoids blocking unused code paths)**146147Move `await` operations into the branches where they're actually used to avoid blocking code paths that don't need them.148149**Incorrect: blocks both branches**150151```typescript152async function handleRequest(userId: string, skipProcessing: boolean) {153const userData = await fetchUserData(userId)154155if (skipProcessing) {156// Returns immediately but still waited for userData157return { skipped: true }158}159160// Only this branch uses userData161return processUserData(userData)162}163```164165**Correct: only blocks when needed**166167```typescript168async function handleRequest(userId: string, skipProcessing: boolean) {169if (skipProcessing) {170// Returns immediately without waiting171return { skipped: true }172}173174// Fetch only when needed175const userData = await fetchUserData(userId)176return processUserData(userData)177}178```179180**Another example: early return optimization**181182```typescript183// Incorrect: always fetches permissions184async function updateResource(resourceId: string, userId: string) {185const permissions = await fetchPermissions(userId)186const resource = await getResource(resourceId)187188if (!resource) {189return { error: 'Not found' }190}191192if (!permissions.canEdit) {193return { error: 'Forbidden' }194}195196return await updateResourceData(resource, permissions)197}198199// Correct: fetches only when needed200async function updateResource(resourceId: string, userId: string) {201const resource = await getResource(resourceId)202203if (!resource) {204return { error: 'Not found' }205}206207const permissions = await fetchPermissions(userId)208209if (!permissions.canEdit) {210return { error: 'Forbidden' }211}212213return await updateResourceData(resource, permissions)214}215```216217This optimization is especially valuable when the skipped branch is frequently taken, or when the deferred operation is expensive.218219For `await getFlag()` combined with a cheap synchronous guard (`flag && someCondition`), see [Check Cheap Conditions Before Async Flags](./async-cheap-condition-before-await.md).220221### 1.3 Dependency-Based Parallelization222223**Impact: CRITICAL (2-10× improvement)**224225For operations with partial dependencies, use `better-all` to maximize parallelism. It automatically starts each task at the earliest possible moment.226227**Incorrect: profile waits for config unnecessarily**228229```typescript230const [user, config] = await Promise.all([231fetchUser(),232fetchConfig()233])234const profile = await fetchProfile(user.id)235```236237**Correct: config and profile run in parallel**238239```typescript240import { all } from 'better-all'241242const { user, config, profile } = await all({243async user() { return fetchUser() },244async config() { return fetchConfig() },245async profile() {246return fetchProfile((await this.$.user).id)247}248})249```250251**Alternative without extra dependencies:**252253```typescript254const userPromise = fetchUser()255const profilePromise = userPromise.then(user => fetchProfile(user.id))256257const [user, config, profile] = await Promise.all([258userPromise,259fetchConfig(),260profilePromise261])262```263264We can also create all the promises first, and do `Promise.all()` at the end.265266Reference: [https://github.com/shuding/better-all](https://github.com/shuding/better-all)267268### 1.4 Prevent Waterfall Chains in API Routes269270**Impact: CRITICAL (2-10× improvement)**271272In API routes and Server Actions, start independent operations immediately, even if you don't await them yet.273274**Incorrect: config waits for auth, data waits for both**275276```typescript277export async function GET(request: Request) {278const session = await auth()279const config = await fetchConfig()280const data = await fetchData(session.user.id)281return Response.json({ data, config })282}283```284285**Correct: auth and config start immediately**286287```typescript288export async function GET(request: Request) {289const sessionPromise = auth()290const configPromise = fetchConfig()291const session = await sessionPromise292const [config, data] = await Promise.all([293configPromise,294fetchData(session.user.id)295])296return Response.json({ data, config })297}298```299300For operations with more complex dependency chains, use `better-all` to automatically maximize parallelism (see Dependency-Based Parallelization).301302### 1.5 Promise.all() for Independent Operations303304**Impact: CRITICAL (2-10× improvement)**305306When async operations have no interdependencies, execute them concurrently using `Promise.all()`.307308**Incorrect: sequential execution, 3 round trips**309310```typescript311const user = await fetchUser()312const posts = await fetchPosts()313const comments = await fetchComments()314```315316**Correct: parallel execution, 1 round trip**317318```typescript319const [user, posts, comments] = await Promise.all([320fetchUser(),321fetchPosts(),322fetchComments()323])324```325326### 1.6 Strategic Suspense Boundaries327328**Impact: HIGH (faster initial paint)**329330Instead of awaiting data in async components before returning JSX, use Suspense boundaries to show the wrapper UI faster while data loads.331332**Incorrect: wrapper blocked by data fetching**333334```tsx335async function Page() {336const data = await fetchData() // Blocks entire page337338return (339<div>340<div>Sidebar</div>341<div>Header</div>342<div>343<DataDisplay data={data} />344</div>345<div>Footer</div>346</div>347)348}349```350351The entire layout waits for data even though only the middle section needs it.352353**Correct: wrapper shows immediately, data streams in**354355```tsx356function Page() {357return (358<div>359<div>Sidebar</div>360<div>Header</div>361<div>362<Suspense fallback={<Skeleton />}>363<DataDisplay />364</Suspense>365</div>366<div>Footer</div>367</div>368)369}370371async function DataDisplay() {372const data = await fetchData() // Only blocks this component373return <div>{data.content}</div>374}375```376377Sidebar, Header, and Footer render immediately. Only DataDisplay waits for data.378379**Alternative: share promise across components**380381```tsx382function Page() {383// Start fetch immediately, but don't await384const dataPromise = fetchData()385386return (387<div>388<div>Sidebar</div>389<div>Header</div>390<Suspense fallback={<Skeleton />}>391<DataDisplay dataPromise={dataPromise} />392<DataSummary dataPromise={dataPromise} />393</Suspense>394<div>Footer</div>395</div>396)397}398399function DataDisplay({ dataPromise }: { dataPromise: Promise<Data> }) {400const data = use(dataPromise) // Unwraps the promise401return <div>{data.content}</div>402}403404function DataSummary({ dataPromise }: { dataPromise: Promise<Data> }) {405const data = use(dataPromise) // Reuses the same promise406return <div>{data.summary}</div>407}408```409410Both components share the same promise, so only one fetch occurs. Layout renders immediately while both components wait together.411412**When NOT to use this pattern:**413414- Critical data needed for layout decisions (affects positioning)415416- SEO-critical content above the fold417418- Small, fast queries where suspense overhead isn't worth it419420- When you want to avoid layout shift (loading → content jump)421422**Trade-off:** Faster initial paint vs potential layout shift. Choose based on your UX priorities.423424---425426## 2. Bundle Size Optimization427428**Impact: CRITICAL**429430Reducing initial bundle size improves Time to Interactive and Largest Contentful Paint.431432### 2.1 Avoid Barrel File Imports433434**Impact: CRITICAL (200-800ms import cost, slow builds)**435436Import directly from source files instead of barrel files to avoid loading thousands of unused modules. **Barrel files** are entry points that re-export multiple modules (e.g., `index.js` that does `export * from './module'`).437438Popular icon and component libraries can have **up to 10,000 re-exports** in their entry file. For many React packages, **it takes 200-800ms just to import them**, affecting both development speed and production cold starts.439440**Why tree-shaking doesn't help:** When a library is marked as external (not bundled), the bundler can't optimize it. If you bundle it to enable tree-shaking, builds become substantially slower analyzing the entire module graph.441442**Incorrect: imports entire library**443444```tsx445import { Check, X, Menu } from 'lucide-react'446// Loads 1,583 modules, takes ~2.8s extra in dev447// Runtime cost: 200-800ms on every cold start448449import { Button, TextField } from '@mui/material'450// Loads 2,225 modules, takes ~4.2s extra in dev451```452453**Correct - Next.js 13.5+ (recommended):**454455```tsx456// Keep the standard imports - Next.js transforms them to direct imports457import { Check, X, Menu } from 'lucide-react'458// Full TypeScript support, no manual path wrangling459```460461This is the recommended approach because it preserves TypeScript type safety and editor autocompletion while still eliminating the barrel import cost.462463**Correct - Direct imports (non-Next.js projects):**464465```tsx466import Button from '@mui/material/Button'467import TextField from '@mui/material/TextField'468// Loads only what you use469```470471> **TypeScript warning:** Some libraries (notably `lucide-react`) don't ship `.d.ts` files for their deep import paths. Importing from `lucide-react/dist/esm/icons/check` resolves to an implicit `any` type, causing errors under `strict` or `noImplicitAny`. Prefer `optimizePackageImports` when available, or verify the library exports types for its subpaths before using direct imports.472473These optimizations provide 15-70% faster dev boot, 28% faster builds, 40% faster cold starts, and significantly faster HMR.474475Libraries commonly affected: `lucide-react`, `@mui/material`, `@mui/icons-material`, `@tabler/icons-react`, `react-icons`, `@headlessui/react`, `@radix-ui/react-*`, `lodash`, `ramda`, `date-fns`, `rxjs`, `react-use`.476477Reference: [https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-optimized-package-imports-in-next-js](https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-optimized-package-imports-in-next-js)478479### 2.2 Conditional Module Loading480481**Impact: HIGH (loads large data only when needed)**482483Load large data or modules only when a feature is activated.484485**Example: lazy-load animation frames**486487```tsx488function AnimationPlayer({ enabled, setEnabled }: { enabled: boolean; setEnabled: React.Dispatch<React.SetStateAction<boolean>> }) {489const [frames, setFrames] = useState<Frame[] | null>(null)490491useEffect(() => {492if (enabled && !frames && typeof window !== 'undefined') {493import('./animation-frames.js')494.then(mod => setFrames(mod.frames))495.catch(() => setEnabled(false))496}497}, [enabled, frames, setEnabled])498499if (!frames) return <Skeleton />500return <Canvas frames={frames} />501}502```503504The `typeof window !== 'undefined'` check prevents bundling this module for SSR, optimizing server bundle size and build speed.505506### 2.3 Defer Non-Critical Third-Party Libraries507508**Impact: MEDIUM (loads after hydration)**509510Analytics, logging, and error tracking don't block user interaction. Load them after hydration.511512**Incorrect: blocks initial bundle**513514```tsx515import { Analytics } from '@vercel/analytics/react'516517export default function RootLayout({ children }) {518return (519<html>520<body>521{children}522<Analytics />523</body>524</html>525)526}527```528529**Correct: loads after hydration**530531```tsx532import dynamic from 'next/dynamic'533534const Analytics = dynamic(535() => import('@vercel/analytics/react').then(m => m.Analytics),536{ ssr: false }537)538539export default function RootLayout({ children }) {540return (541<html>542<body>543{children}544<Analytics />545</body>546</html>547)548}549```550551### 2.4 Dynamic Imports for Heavy Components552553**Impact: CRITICAL (directly affects TTI and LCP)**554555Use `next/dynamic` to lazy-load large components not needed on initial render.556557**Incorrect: Monaco bundles with main chunk ~300KB**558559```tsx560import { MonacoEditor } from './monaco-editor'561562function CodePanel({ code }: { code: string }) {563return <MonacoEditor value={code} />564}565```566567**Correct: Monaco loads on demand**568569```tsx570import dynamic from 'next/dynamic'571572const MonacoEditor = dynamic(573() => import('./monaco-editor').then(m => m.MonacoEditor),574{ ssr: false }575)576577function CodePanel({ code }: { code: string }) {578return <MonacoEditor value={code} />579}580```581582### 2.5 Prefer Statically Analyzable Paths583584**Impact: HIGH (avoids accidental broad bundles and file traces)**585586Build tools work best when import and file-system paths are obvious at build time. If you hide the real path inside a variable or compose it too dynamically, the tool either has to include a broad set of possible files, warn that it cannot analyze the import, or widen file tracing to stay safe.587588Prefer explicit maps or literal paths so the set of reachable files stays narrow and predictable. This is the same rule whether you are choosing modules with `import()` or reading files in server/build code.589590When analysis becomes too broad, the cost is real:591592- Larger server bundles593594- Slower builds595596- Worse cold starts597598- More memory use599600**Incorrect: the bundler cannot tell what may be imported**601602```ts603const PAGE_MODULES = {604home: './pages/home',605settings: './pages/settings',606} as const607608const Page = await import(PAGE_MODULES[pageName])609```610611**Correct: use an explicit map of allowed modules**612613```ts614const PAGE_MODULES = {615home: () => import('./pages/home'),616settings: () => import('./pages/settings'),617} as const618619const Page = await PAGE_MODULES[pageName]()620```621622**Incorrect: a 2-value enum still hides the final path from static analysis**623624```ts625const baseDir = path.join(process.cwd(), 'content/' + contentKind)626```627628**Correct: make each final path literal at the callsite**629630```ts631const baseDir =632kind === ContentKind.Blog633? path.join(process.cwd(), 'content/blog')634: path.join(process.cwd(), 'content/docs')635```636637In Next.js server code, this matters for output file tracing too. `path.join(process.cwd(), someVar)` can widen the traced file set because Next.js statically analyze `import`, `require`, and `fs` usage.638639Reference: [https://nextjs.org/docs/app/api-reference/config/next-config-js/output](https://nextjs.org/docs/app/api-reference/config/next-config-js/output), [https://nextjs.org/learn/seo/dynamic-imports](https://nextjs.org/learn/seo/dynamic-imports), [https://vite.dev/guide/features.html](https://vite.dev/guide/features.html), [https://esbuild.github.io/api/](https://esbuild.github.io/api/), [https://www.npmjs.com/package/@rollup/plugin-dynamic-import-vars](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@rollup/plugin-dynamic-import-vars), [https://webpack.js.org/guides/dependency-management/](https://webpack.js.org/guides/dependency-management/)640641### 2.6 Preload Based on User Intent642643**Impact: MEDIUM (reduces perceived latency)**644645Preload heavy bundles before they're needed to reduce perceived latency.646647**Example: preload on hover/focus**648649```tsx650function EditorButton({ onClick }: { onClick: () => void }) {651const preload = () => {652if (typeof window !== 'undefined') {653void import('./monaco-editor')654}655}656657return (658<button659onMouseEnter={preload}660onFocus={preload}661onClick={onClick}662>663Open Editor664</button>665)666}667```668669**Example: preload when feature flag is enabled**670671```tsx672function FlagsProvider({ children, flags }: Props) {673useEffect(() => {674if (flags.editorEnabled && typeof window !== 'undefined') {675void import('./monaco-editor').then(mod => mod.init())676}677}, [flags.editorEnabled])678679return <FlagsContext.Provider value={flags}>680{children}681</FlagsContext.Provider>682}683```684685The `typeof window !== 'undefined'` check prevents bundling preloaded modules for SSR, optimizing server bundle size and build speed.686687---688689## 3. Server-Side Performance690691**Impact: HIGH**692693Optimizing server-side rendering and data fetching eliminates server-side waterfalls and reduces response times.694695### 3.1 Authenticate Server Actions Like API Routes696697**Impact: CRITICAL (prevents unauthorized access to server mutations)**698699Server Actions (functions with `"use server"`) are exposed as public endpoints, just like API routes. Always verify authentication and authorization **inside** each Server Action—do not rely solely on middleware, layout guards, or page-level checks, as Server Actions can be invoked directly.700701Next.js documentation explicitly states: "Treat Server Actions with the same security considerations as public-facing API endpoints, and verify if the user is allowed to perform a mutation."702703**Incorrect: no authentication check**704705```typescript706'use server'707708export async function deleteUser(userId: string) {709// Anyone can call this! No auth check710await db.user.delete({ where: { id: userId } })711return { success: true }712}713```714715**Correct: authentication inside the action**716717```typescript718'use server'719720import { verifySession } from '@/lib/auth'721import { unauthorized } from '@/lib/errors'722723export async function deleteUser(userId: string) {724// Always check auth inside the action725const session = await verifySession()726727if (!session) {728throw unauthorized('Must be logged in')729}730731// Check authorization too732if (session.user.role !== 'admin' && session.user.id !== userId) {733throw unauthorized('Cannot delete other users')734}735736await db.user.delete({ where: { id: userId } })737return { success: true }738}739```740741**With input validation:**742743```typescript744'use server'745746import { verifySession } from '@/lib/auth'747import { z } from 'zod'748749const updateProfileSchema = z.object({750userId: z.string().uuid(),751name: z.string().min(1).max(100),752email: z.string().email()753})754755export async function updateProfile(data: unknown) {756// Validate input first757const validated = updateProfileSchema.parse(data)758759// Then authenticate760const session = await verifySession()761if (!session) {762throw new Error('Unauthorized')763}764765// Then authorize766if (session.user.id !== validated.userId) {767throw new Error('Can only update own profile')768}769770// Finally perform the mutation771await db.user.update({772where: { id: validated.userId },773data: {774name: validated.name,775email: validated.email776}777})778779return { success: true }780}781```782783Reference: [https://nextjs.org/docs/app/guides/authentication](https://nextjs.org/docs/app/guides/authentication)784785### 3.2 Avoid Duplicate Serialization in RSC Props786787**Impact: LOW (reduces network payload by avoiding duplicate serialization)**788789RSC→client serialization deduplicates by object reference, not value. Same reference = serialized once; new reference = serialized again. Do transformations (`.toSorted()`, `.filter()`, `.map()`) in client, not server.790791**Incorrect: duplicates array**792793```tsx794// RSC: sends 6 strings (2 arrays × 3 items)795<ClientList usernames={usernames} usernamesOrdered={usernames.toSorted()} />796```797798**Correct: sends 3 strings**799800```tsx801// RSC: send once802<ClientList usernames={usernames} />803804// Client: transform there805'use client'806const sorted = useMemo(() => [...usernames].sort(), [usernames])807```808809**Nested deduplication behavior:**810811```tsx812// string[] - duplicates everything813usernames={['a','b']} sorted={usernames.toSorted()} // sends 4 strings814815// object[] - duplicates array structure only816users={[{id:1},{id:2}]} sorted={users.toSorted()} // sends 2 arrays + 2 unique objects (not 4)817```818819Deduplication works recursively. Impact varies by data type:820821- `string[]`, `number[]`, `boolean[]`: **HIGH impact** - array + all primitives fully duplicated822823- `object[]`: **LOW impact** - array duplicated, but nested objects deduplicated by reference824825**Operations breaking deduplication: create new references**826827- Arrays: `.toSorted()`, `.filter()`, `.map()`, `.slice()`, `[...arr]`828829- Objects: `{...obj}`, `Object.assign()`, `structuredClone()`, `JSON.parse(JSON.stringify())`830831**More examples:**832833```tsx834// ❌ Bad835<C users={users} active={users.filter(u => u.active)} />836<C product={product} productName={product.name} />837838// ✅ Good839<C users={users} />840<C product={product} />841// Do filtering/destructuring in client842```843844**Exception:** Pass derived data when transformation is expensive or client doesn't need original.845846### 3.3 Avoid Shared Module State for Request Data847848**Impact: HIGH (prevents concurrency bugs and request data leaks)**849850For React Server Components and client components rendered during SSR, avoid using mutable module-level variables to share request-scoped data. Server renders can run concurrently in the same process. If one render writes to shared module state and another render reads it, you can get race conditions, cross-request contamination, and security bugs where one user's data appears in another user's response.851852Treat module scope on the server as process-wide shared memory, not request-local state.853854**Incorrect: request data leaks across concurrent renders**855856```tsx857let currentUser: User | null = null858859export default async function Page() {860currentUser = await auth()861return <Dashboard />862}863864async function Dashboard() {865return <div>{currentUser?.name}</div>866}867```868869If two requests overlap, request A can set `currentUser`, then request B overwrites it before request A finishes rendering `Dashboard`.870871**Correct: keep request data local to the render tree**872873```tsx874export default async function Page() {875const user = await auth()876return <Dashboard user={user} />877}878879function Dashboard({ user }: { user: User | null }) {880return <div>{user?.name}</div>881}882```883884Safe exceptions:885886- Immutable static assets or config loaded once at module scope887888- Shared caches intentionally designed for cross-request reuse and keyed correctly889890- Process-wide singletons that do not store request- or user-specific mutable data891892For static assets and config, see [Hoist Static I/O to Module Level](./server-hoist-static-io.md).893894### 3.4 Cross-Request LRU Caching895896**Impact: HIGH (caches across requests)**897898`React.cache()` only works within one request. For data shared across sequential requests (user clicks button A then button B), use an LRU cache.899900**Implementation:**901902```typescript903import { LRUCache } from 'lru-cache'904905const cache = new LRUCache<string, any>({906max: 1000,907ttl: 5 * 60 * 1000 // 5 minutes908})909910export async function getUser(id: string) {911const cached = cache.get(id)912if (cached) return cached913914const user = await db.user.findUnique({ where: { id } })915cache.set(id, user)916return user917}918919// Request 1: DB query, result cached920// Request 2: cache hit, no DB query921```922923Use when sequential user actions hit multiple endpoints needing the same data within seconds.924925**With Vercel's [Fluid Compute](https://vercel.com/docs/fluid-compute):** LRU caching is especially effective because multiple concurrent requests can share the same function instance and cache. This means the cache persists across requests without needing external storage like Redis.926927**In traditional serverless:** Each invocation runs in isolation, so consider Redis for cross-process caching.928929Reference: [https://github.com/isaacs/node-lru-cache](https://github.com/isaacs/node-lru-cache)930931### 3.5 Hoist Static I/O to Module Level932933**Impact: HIGH (avoids repeated file/network I/O per request)**934935When loading static assets (fonts, logos, images, config files) in route handlers or server functions, hoist the I/O operation to module level. Module-level code runs once when the module is first imported, not on every request. This eliminates redundant file system reads or network fetches that would otherwise run on every invocation.936937**Incorrect: reads font file on every request**938939```typescript940// app/api/og/route.tsx941import { ImageResponse } from 'next/og'942943export async function GET(request: Request) {944// Runs on EVERY request - expensive!945const fontData = await fetch(946new URL('./fonts/Inter.ttf', import.meta.url)947).then(res => res.arrayBuffer())948949const logoData = await fetch(950new URL('./images/logo.png', import.meta.url)951).then(res => res.arrayBuffer())952953return new ImageResponse(954<div style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter' }}>955<img src={logoData} />956Hello World957</div>,958{ fonts: [{ name: 'Inter', data: fontData }] }959)960}961```962963**Correct: loads once at module initialization**964965```typescript966// app/api/og/route.tsx967import { ImageResponse } from 'next/og'968969// Module-level: runs ONCE when module is first imported970const fontData = fetch(971new URL('./fonts/Inter.ttf', import.meta.url)972).then(res => res.arrayBuffer())973974const logoData = fetch(975new URL('./images/logo.png', import.meta.url)976).then(res => res.arrayBuffer())977978export async function GET(request: Request) {979// Await the already-started promises980const [font, logo] = await Promise.all([fontData, logoData])981982return new ImageResponse(983<div style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter' }}>984<img src={logo} />985Hello World986</div>,987{ fonts: [{ name: 'Inter', data: font }] }988)989}990```991992**Correct: synchronous fs at module level**993994```typescript995// app/api/og/route.tsx996import { ImageResponse } from 'next/og'997import { readFileSync } from 'fs'998import { join } from 'path'9991000// Synchronous read at module level - blocks only during module init1001const fontData = readFileSync(1002join(process.cwd(), 'public/fonts/Inter.ttf')1003)10041005const logoData = readFileSync(1006join(process.cwd(), 'public/images/logo.png')1007)10081009export async function GET(request: Request) {1010return new ImageResponse(1011<div style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter' }}>1012<img src={logoData} />1013Hello World1014</div>,1015{ fonts: [{ name: 'Inter', data: fontData }] }1016)1017}1018```10191020**Incorrect: reads config on every call**10211022```typescript1023import fs from 'node:fs/promises'10241025export async function processRequest(data: Data) {1026const config = JSON.parse(1027await fs.readFile('./config.json', 'utf-8')1028)1029const template = await fs.readFile('./template.html', 'utf-8')10301031return render(template, data, config)1032}1033```10341035**Correct: hoists config and template to module level**10361037```typescript1038import fs from 'node:fs/promises'10391040const configPromise = fs1041.readFile('./config.json', 'utf-8')1042.then(JSON.parse)1043const templatePromise = fs.readFile('./template.html', 'utf-8')10441045export async function processRequest(data: Data) {1046const [config, template] = await Promise.all([1047configPromise,1048templatePromise,1049])10501051return render(template, data, config)1052}1053```10541055When to use this pattern:10561057- Loading fonts for OG image generation10581059- Loading static logos, icons, or watermarks10601061- Reading configuration files that don't change at runtime10621063- Loading email templates or other static templates10641065- Any static asset that's the same across all requests10661067When not to use this pattern:10681069- Assets that vary per request or user10701071- Files that may change during runtime (use caching with TTL instead)10721073- Large files that would consume too much memory if kept loaded10741075- Sensitive data that shouldn't persist in memory10761077With Vercel's [Fluid Compute](https://vercel.com/docs/fluid-compute), module-level caching is especially effective because multiple concurrent requests share the same function instance. The static assets stay loaded in memory across requests without cold start penalties.10781079In traditional serverless, each cold start re-executes module-level code, but subsequent warm invocations reuse the loaded assets until the instance is recycled.10801081### 3.6 Minimize Serialization at RSC Boundaries10821083**Impact: HIGH (reduces data transfer size)**10841085The React Server/Client boundary serializes all object properties into strings and embeds them in the HTML response and subsequent RSC requests. This serialized data directly impacts page weight and load time, so **size matters a lot**. Only pass fields that the client actually uses.10861087**Incorrect: serializes all 50 fields**10881089```tsx1090async function Page() {1091const user = await fetchUser() // 50 fields1092return <Profile user={user} />1093}10941095'use client'1096function Profile({ user }: { user: User }) {1097return <div>{user.name}</div> // uses 1 field1098}1099```11001101**Correct: serializes only 1 field**11021103```tsx1104async function Page() {1105const user = await fetchUser()1106return <Profile name={user.name} />1107}11081109'use client'1110function Profile({ name }: { name: string }) {1111return <div>{name}</div>1112}1113```11141115### 3.7 Parallel Data Fetching with Component Composition11161117**Impact: CRITICAL (eliminates server-side waterfalls)**11181119React Server Components execute sequentially within a tree. Restructure with composition to parallelize data fetching.11201121**Incorrect: Sidebar waits for Page's fetch to complete**11221123```tsx1124export default async function Page() {1125const header = await fetchHeader()1126return (1127<div>1128<div>{header}</div>1129<Sidebar />1130</div>1131)1132}11331134async function Sidebar() {1135const items = await fetchSidebarItems()1136return <nav>{items.map(renderItem)}</nav>1137}1138```11391140**Correct: both fetch simultaneously**11411142```tsx1143async function Header() {1144const data = await fetchHeader()1145return <div>{data}</div>1146}11471148async function Sidebar() {1149const items = await fetchSidebarItems()1150return <nav>{items.map(renderItem)}</nav>1151}11521153export default function Page() {1154return (1155<div>1156<Header />1157<Sidebar />1158</div>1159)1160}1161```11621163**Alternative with children prop:**11641165```tsx1166async function Header() {1167const data = await fetchHeader()1168return <div>{data}</div>1169}11701171async function Sidebar() {1172const items = await fetchSidebarItems()1173return <nav>{items.map(renderItem)}</nav>1174}11751176function Layout({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {1177return (1178<div>1179<Header />1180{children}1181</div>1182)1183}11841185export default function Page() {1186return (1187<Layout>1188<Sidebar />1189</Layout>1190)1191}1192```11931194### 3.8 Parallel Nested Data Fetching11951196**Impact: CRITICAL (eliminates server-side waterfalls)**11971198When fetching nested data in parallel, chain dependent fetches within each item's promise so a slow item doesn't block the rest.11991200**Incorrect: a single slow item blocks all nested fetches**12011202```tsx1203const chats = await Promise.all(1204chatIds.map(id => getChat(id))1205)12061207const chatAuthors = await Promise.all(1208chats.map(chat => getUser(chat.author))1209)1210```12111212If one `getChat(id)` out of 100 is extremely slow, the authors of the other 99 chats can't start loading even though their data is ready.12131214**Correct: each item chains its own nested fetch**12151216```tsx1217const chatAuthors = await Promise.all(1218chatIds.map(id => getChat(id).then(chat => getUser(chat.author)))1219)1220```12211222Each item independently chains `getChat` → `getUser`, so a slow chat doesn't block author fetches for the others.12231224### 3.9 Per-Request Deduplication with React.cache()12251226**Impact: MEDIUM (deduplicates within request)**12271228Use `React.cache()` for server-side request deduplication. Authentication and database queries benefit most.12291230**Usage:**12311232```typescript1233import { cache } from 'react'12341235export const getCurrentUser = cache(async () => {1236const session = await auth()1237if (!session?.user?.id) return null1238return await db.user.findUnique({1239where: { id: session.user.id }1240})1241})1242```12431244Within a single request, multiple calls to `getCurrentUser()` execute the query only once.12451246**Avoid inline objects as arguments:**12471248`React.cache()` uses shallow equality (`Object.is`) to determine cache hits. Inline objects create new references each call, preventing cache hits.12491250**Incorrect: always cache miss**12511252```typescript1253const getUser = cache(async (params: { uid: number }) => {1254return await db.user.findUnique({ where: { id: params.uid } })1255})12561257// Each call creates new object, never hits cache1258getUser({ uid: 1 })1259getUser({ uid: 1 }) // Cache miss, runs query again1260```12611262**Correct: cache hit**12631264```typescript1265const params = { uid: 1 }1266getUser(params) // Query runs1267getUser(params) // Cache hit (same reference)1268```12691270If you must pass objects, pass the same reference:12711272**Next.js-Specific Note:**12731274In Next.js, the `fetch` API is automatically extended with request memoization. Requests with the same URL and options are automatically deduplicated within a single request, so you don't need `React.cache()` for `fetch` calls. However, `React.cache()` is still essential for other async tasks:12751276- Database queries (Prisma, Drizzle, etc.)12771278- Heavy computations12791280- Authentication checks12811282- File system operations12831284- Any non-fetch async work12851286Use `React.cache()` to deduplicate these operations across your component tree.12871288Reference: [https://react.dev/reference/react/cache](https://react.dev/reference/react/cache)12891290### 3.10 Use after() for Non-Blocking Operations12911292**Impact: MEDIUM (faster response times)**12931294Use Next.js's `after()` to schedule work that should execute after a response is sent. This prevents logging, analytics, and other side effects from blocking the response.12951296**Incorrect: blocks response**12971298```tsx1299import { logUserAction } from '@/app/utils'13001301export async function POST(request: Request) {1302// Perform mutation1303await updateDatabase(request)13041305// Logging blocks the response1306const userAgent = request.headers.get('user-agent') || 'unknown'1307await logUserAction({ userAgent })13081309return new Response(JSON.stringify({ status: 'success' }), {1310status: 200,1311headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }1312})1313}1314```13151316**Correct: non-blocking**13171318```tsx1319import { after } from 'next/server'1320import { headers, cookies } from 'next/headers'1321import { logUserAction } from '@/app/utils'13221323export async function POST(request: Request) {1324// Perform mutation1325await updateDatabase(request)13261327// Log after response is sent1328after(async () => {1329const userAgent = (await headers()).get('user-agent') || 'unknown'1330const sessionCookie = (await cookies()).get('session-id')?.value || 'anonymous'13311332logUserAction({ sessionCookie, userAgent })1333})13341335return new Response(JSON.stringify({ status: 'success' }), {1336status: 200,1337headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }1338})1339}1340```13411342The response is sent immediately while logging happens in the background.13431344**Common use cases:**13451346- Analytics tracking13471348- Audit logging13491350- Sending notifications13511352- Cache invalidation13531354- Cleanup tasks13551356**Important notes:**13571358- `after()` runs even if the response fails or redirects13591360- Works in Server Actions, Route Handlers, and Server Components13611362Reference: [https://nextjs.org/docs/app/api-reference/functions/after](https://nextjs.org/docs/app/api-reference/functions/after)13631364---13651366## 4. Client-Side Data Fetching13671368**Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH**13691370Automatic deduplication and efficient data fetching patterns reduce redundant network requests.13711372### 4.1 Deduplicate Global Event Listeners13731374**Impact: LOW (single listener for N components)**13751376Use `useSWRSubscription()` to share global event listeners across component instances.13771378**Incorrect: N instances = N listeners**13791380```tsx1381function useKeyboardShortcut(key: string, callback: () => void) {1382useEffect(() => {1383const handler = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {1384if (e.metaKey && e.key === key) {1385callback()1386}1387}1388window.addEventListener('keydown', handler)1389return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handler)1390}, [key, callback])1391}1392```13931394When using the `useKeyboardShortcut` hook multiple times, each instance will register a new listener.13951396**Correct: N instances = 1 listener**13971398```tsx1399import useSWRSubscription from 'swr/subscription'14001401// Module-level Map to track callbacks per key1402const keyCallbacks = new Map<string, Set<() => void>>()14031404function useKeyboardShortcut(key: string, callback: () => void) {1405// Register this callback in the Map1406useEffect(() => {1407if (!keyCallbacks.has(key)) {1408keyCallbacks.set(key, new Set())1409}1410keyCallbacks.get(key)!.add(callback)14111412return () => {1413const set = keyCallbacks.get(key)1414if (set) {1415set.delete(callback)1416if (set.size === 0) {1417keyCallbacks.delete(key)1418}1419}1420}1421}, [key, callback])14221423useSWRSubscription('global-keydown', () => {1424const handler = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {1425if (e.metaKey && keyCallbacks.has(e.key)) {1426keyCallbacks.get(e.key)!.forEach(cb => cb())1427}1428}1429window.addEventListener('keydown', handler)1430return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handler)1431})1432}14331434function Profile() {1435// Multiple shortcuts will share the same listener1436useKeyboardShortcut('p', () => { /* ... */ })1437useKeyboardShortcut('k', () => { /* ... */ })1438// ...1439}1440```14411442### 4.2 Use Passive Event Listeners for Scrolling Performance14431444**Impact: MEDIUM (eliminates scroll delay caused by event listeners)**14451446Add `{ passive: true }` to touch and wheel event listeners to enable immediate scrolling. Browsers normally wait for listeners to finish to check if `preventDefault()` is called, causing scroll delay.14471448**Incorrect:**14491450```typescript1451useEffect(() => {1452const handleTouch = (e: TouchEvent) => console.log(e.touches[0].clientX)1453const handleWheel = (e: WheelEvent) => console.log(e.deltaY)14541455document.addEventListener('touchstart', handleTouch)1456document.addEventListener('wheel', handleWheel)14571458return () => {1459document.removeEventListener('touchstart', handleTouch)1460document.removeEventListener('wheel', handleWheel)1461}1462}, [])1463```14641465**Correct:**14661467```typescript1468useEffect(() => {1469const handleTouch = (e: TouchEvent) => console.log(e.touches[0].clientX)1470const handleWheel = (e: WheelEvent) => console.log(e.deltaY)14711472document.addEventListener('touchstart', handleTouch, { passive: true })1473document.addEventListener('wheel', handleWheel, { passive: true })14741475return () => {1476document.removeEventListener('touchstart', handleTouch)1477document.removeEventListener('wheel', handleWheel)1478}1479}, [])1480```14811482**Use passive when:** tracking/analytics, logging, any listener that doesn't call `preventDefault()`.14831484**Don't use passive when:** implementing custom swipe gestures, custom zoom controls, or any listener that needs `preventDefault()`.14851486### 4.3 Use SWR for Automatic Deduplication14871488**Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH (automatic deduplication)**14891490SWR enables request deduplication, caching, and revalidation across component instances.14911492**Incorrect: no deduplication, each instance fetches**14931494```tsx1495function UserList() {1496const [users, setUsers] = useState([])1497useEffect(() => {1498fetch('/api/users')1499.then(r => r.json())1500.then(setUsers)1501}, [])1502}1503```15041505**Correct: multiple instances share one request**15061507```tsx1508import useSWR from 'swr'15091510function UserList() {1511const { data: users } = useSWR('/api/users', fetcher)1512}1513```15141515**For immutable data:**15161517```tsx1518import { useImmutableSWR } from '@/lib/swr'15191520function StaticContent() {1521const { data } = useImmutableSWR('/api/config', fetcher)1522}1523```15241525**For mutations:**15261527```tsx1528import { useSWRMutation } from 'swr/mutation'15291530function UpdateButton() {1531const { trigger } = useSWRMutation('/api/user', updateUser)1532return <button onClick={() => trigger()}>Update</button>1533}1534```15351536Reference: [https://swr.vercel.app](https://swr.vercel.app)15371538### 4.4 Version and Minimize localStorage Data15391540**Impact: MEDIUM (prevents schema conflicts, reduces storage size)**15411542Add version prefix to keys and store only needed fields. Prevents schema conflicts and accidental storage of sensitive data.15431544**Incorrect:**15451546```typescript1547// No version, stores everything, no error handling1548localStorage.setItem('userConfig', JSON.stringify(fullUserObject))1549const data = localStorage.getItem('userConfig')1550```15511552**Correct:**15531554```typescript1555const VERSION = 'v2'15561557function saveConfig(config: { theme: string; language: string }) {1558try {1559localStorage.setItem(`userConfig:${VERSION}`, JSON.stringify(config))1560} catch {1561// Throws in incognito/private browsing, quota exceeded, or disabled1562}1563}15641565function loadConfig() {1566try {1567const data = localStorage.getItem(`userConfig:${VERSION}`)1568return data ? JSON.parse(data) : null1569} catch {1570return null1571}1572}15731574// Migration from v1 to v21575function migrate() {1576try {1577const v1 = localStorage.getItem('userConfig:v1')1578if (v1) {1579const old = JSON.parse(v1)1580saveConfig({ theme: old.darkMode ? 'dark' : 'light', language: old.lang })1581localStorage.removeItem('userConfig:v1')1582}1583} catch {}1584}1585```15861587**Store minimal fields from server responses:**15881589```typescript1590// User object has 20+ fields, only store what UI needs1591function cachePrefs(user: FullUser) {1592try {1593localStorage.setItem('prefs:v1', JSON.stringify({1594theme: user.preferences.theme,1595notifications: user.preferences.notifications1596}))1597} catch {}1598}1599```16001601**Always wrap in try-catch:** `getItem()` and `setItem()` throw in incognito/private browsing (Safari, Firefox), when quota exceeded, or when disabled.16021603**Benefits:** Schema evolution via versioning, reduced storage size, prevents storing tokens/PII/internal flags.16041605---16061607## 5. Re-render Optimization16081609**Impact: MEDIUM**16101611Reducing unnecessary re-renders minimizes wasted computation and improves UI responsiveness.16121613### 5.1 Calculate Derived State During Rendering16141615**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids redundant renders and state drift)**16161617If a value can be computed from current props/state, do not store it in state or update it in an effect. Derive it during render to avoid extra renders and state drift. Do not set state in effects solely in response to prop changes; prefer derived values or keyed resets instead.16181619**Incorrect: redundant state and effect**16201621```tsx1622function Form() {1623const [firstName, setFirstName] = useState('First')1624const [lastName, setLastName] = useState('Last')1625const [fullName, setFullName] = useState('')16261627useEffect(() => {1628setFullName(firstName + ' ' + lastName)1629}, [firstName, lastName])16301631return <p>{fullName}</p>1632}1633```16341635**Correct: derive during render**16361637```tsx1638function Form() {1639const [firstName, setFirstName] = useState('First')1640const [lastName, setLastName] = useState('Last')1641const fullName = firstName + ' ' + lastName16421643return <p>{fullName}</p>1644}1645```16461647Reference: [https://react.dev/learn/you-might-not-need-an-effect](https://react.dev/learn/you-might-not-need-an-effect)16481649### 5.2 Defer State Reads to Usage Point16501651**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids unnecessary subscriptions)**16521653Don't subscribe to dynamic state (searchParams, localStorage) if you only read it inside callbacks.16541655**Incorrect: subscribes to all searchParams changes**16561657```tsx1658function ShareButton({ chatId }: { chatId: string }) {1659const searchParams = useSearchParams()16601661const handleShare = () => {1662const ref = searchParams.get('ref')1663shareChat(chatId, { ref })1664}16651666return <button onClick={handleShare}>Share</button>1667}1668```16691670**Correct: reads on demand, no subscription**16711672```tsx1673function ShareButton({ chatId }: { chatId: string }) {1674const handleShare = () => {1675const params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search)1676const ref = params.get('ref')1677shareChat(chatId, { ref })1678}16791680return <button onClick={handleShare}>Share</button>1681}1682```16831684### 5.3 Do not wrap a simple expression with a primitive result type in useMemo16851686**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (wasted computation on every render)**16871688When an expression is simple (few logical or arithmetical operators) and has a primitive result type (boolean, number, string), do not wrap it in `useMemo`.16891690Calling `useMemo` and comparing hook dependencies may consume more resources than the expression itself.16911692**Incorrect:**16931694```tsx1695function Header({ user, notifications }: Props) {1696const isLoading = useMemo(() => {1697return user.isLoading || notifications.isLoading1698}, [user.isLoading, notifications.isLoading])16991700if (isLoading) return <Skeleton />1701// return some markup1702}1703```17041705**Correct:**17061707```tsx1708function Header({ user, notifications }: Props) {1709const isLoading = user.isLoading || notifications.isLoading17101711if (isLoading) return <Skeleton />1712// return some markup1713}1714```17151716### 5.4 Don't Define Components Inside Components17171718**Impact: HIGH (prevents remount on every render)**17191720Defining a component inside another component creates a new component type on every render. React sees a different component each time and fully remounts it, destroying all state and DOM.17211722A common reason developers do this is to access parent variables without passing props. Always pass props instead.17231724**Incorrect: remounts on every render**17251726```tsx1727function UserProfile({ user, theme }) {1728// Defined inside to access `theme` - BAD1729const Avatar = () => (1730<img1731src={user.avatarUrl}1732className={theme === 'dark' ? 'avatar-dark' : 'avatar-light'}1733/>1734)17351736// Defined inside to access `user` - BAD1737const Stats = () => (1738<div>1739<span>{user.followers} followers</span>1740<span>{user.posts} posts</span>1741</div>1742)17431744return (1745<div>1746<Avatar />1747<Stats />1748</div>1749)1750}1751```17521753Every time `UserProfile` renders, `Avatar` and `Stats` are new component types. React unmounts the old instances and mounts new ones, losing any internal state, running effects again, and recreating DOM nodes.17541755**Correct: pass props instead**17561757```tsx1758function Avatar({ src, theme }: { src: string; theme: string }) {1759return (1760<img1761src={src}1762className={theme === 'dark' ? 'avatar-dark' : 'avatar-light'}1763/>1764)1765}17661767function Stats({ followers, posts }: { followers: number; posts: number }) {1768return (1769<div>1770<span>{followers} followers</span>1771<span>{posts} posts</span>1772</div>1773)1774}17751776function UserProfile({ user, theme }) {1777return (1778<div>1779<Avatar src={user.avatarUrl} theme={theme} />1780<Stats followers={user.followers} posts={user.posts} />1781</div>1782)1783}1784```17851786**Symptoms of this bug:**17871788- Input fields lose focus on every keystroke17891790- Animations restart unexpectedly17911792- `useEffect` cleanup/setup runs on every parent render17931794- Scroll position resets inside the component17951796### 5.5 Extract Default Non-primitive Parameter Value from Memoized Component to Constant17971798**Impact: MEDIUM (restores memoization by using a constant for default value)**17991800When memoized component has a default value for some non-primitive optional parameter, such as an array, function, or object, calling the component without that parameter results in broken memoization. This is because new value instances are created on every rerender, and they do not pass strict equality comparison in `memo()`.18011802To address this issue, extract the default value into a constant.18031804**Incorrect: `onClick` has different values on every rerender**18051806```tsx1807const UserAvatar = memo(function UserAvatar({ onClick = () => {} }: { onClick?: () => void }) {1808// ...1809})18101811// Used without optional onClick1812<UserAvatar />1813```18141815**Correct: stable default value**18161817```tsx1818const NOOP = () => {};18191820const UserAvatar = memo(function UserAvatar({ onClick = NOOP }: { onClick?: () => void }) {1821// ...1822})18231824// Used without optional onClick1825<UserAvatar />1826```18271828### 5.6 Extract to Memoized Components18291830**Impact: MEDIUM (enables early returns)**18311832Extract expensive work into memoized components to enable early returns before computation.18331834**Incorrect: computes avatar even when loading**18351836```tsx1837function Profile({ user, loading }: Props) {1838const avatar = useMemo(() => {1839const id = computeAvatarId(user)1840return <Avatar id={id} />1841}, [user])18421843if (loading) return <Skeleton />1844return <div>{avatar}</div>1845}1846```18471848**Correct: skips computation when loading**18491850```tsx1851const UserAvatar = memo(function UserAvatar({ user }: { user: User }) {1852const id = useMemo(() => computeAvatarId(user), [user])1853return <Avatar id={id} />1854})18551856function Profile({ user, loading }: Props) {1857if (loading) return <Skeleton />1858return (1859<div>1860<UserAvatar user={user} />1861</div>1862)1863}1864```18651866**Note:** If your project has [React Compiler](https://react.dev/learn/react-compiler) enabled, manual memoization with `memo()` and `useMemo()` is not necessary. The compiler automatically optimizes re-renders.18671868### 5.7 Narrow Effect Dependencies18691870**Impact: LOW (minimizes effect re-runs)**18711872Specify primitive dependencies instead of objects to minimize effect re-runs.18731874**Incorrect: re-runs on any user field change**18751876```tsx1877useEffect(() => {1878console.log(user.id)1879}, [user])1880```18811882**Correct: re-runs only when id changes**18831884```tsx1885useEffect(() => {1886console.log(user.id)1887}, [user.id])1888```18891890**For derived state, compute outside effect:**18911892```tsx1893// Incorrect: runs on width=767, 766, 765...1894useEffect(() => {1895if (width < 768) {1896enableMobileMode()1897}1898}, [width])18991900// Correct: runs only on boolean transition1901const isMobile = width < 7681902useEffect(() => {1903if (isMobile) {1904enableMobileMode()1905}1906}, [isMobile])1907```19081909### 5.8 Put Interaction Logic in Event Handlers19101911**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids effect re-runs and duplicate side effects)**19121913If a side effect is triggered by a specific user action (submit, click, drag), run it in that event handler. Do not model the action as state + effect; it makes effects re-run on unrelated changes and can duplicate the action.19141915**Incorrect: event modeled as state + effect**19161917```tsx1918function Form() {1919const [submitted, setSubmitted] = useState(false)1920const theme = useContext(ThemeContext)19211922useEffect(() => {1923if (submitted) {1924post('/api/register')1925showToast('Registered', theme)1926}1927}, [submitted, theme])19281929return <button onClick={() => setSubmitted(true)}>Submit</button>1930}1931```19321933**Correct: do it in the handler**19341935```tsx1936function Form() {1937const theme = useContext(ThemeContext)19381939function handleSubmit() {1940post('/api/register')1941showToast('Registered', theme)1942}19431944return <button onClick={handleSubmit}>Submit</button>1945}1946```19471948Reference: [https://react.dev/learn/removing-effect-dependencies#should-this-code-move-to-an-event-handler](https://react.dev/learn/removing-effect-dependencies#should-this-code-move-to-an-event-handler)19491950### 5.9 Split Combined Hook Computations19511952**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids recomputing independent steps)**19531954When a hook contains multiple independent tasks with different dependencies, split them into separate hooks. A combined hook reruns all tasks when any dependency changes, even if some tasks don't use the changed value.19551956**Incorrect: changing `sortOrder` recomputes filtering**19571958```tsx1959const sortedProducts = useMemo(() => {1960const filtered = products.filter((p) => p.category === category)1961const sorted = filtered.toSorted((a, b) =>1962sortOrder === "asc" ? a.price - b.price : b.price - a.price1963)1964return sorted1965}, [products, category, sortOrder])1966```19671968**Correct: filtering only recomputes when products or category change**19691970```tsx1971const filteredProducts = useMemo(1972() => products.filter((p) => p.category === category),1973[products, category]1974)19751976const sortedProducts = useMemo(1977() =>1978filteredProducts.toSorted((a, b) =>1979sortOrder === "asc" ? a.price - b.price : b.price - a.price1980),1981[filteredProducts, sortOrder]1982)1983```19841985This pattern also applies to `useEffect` when combining unrelated side effects:19861987**Incorrect: both effects run when either dependency changes**19881989```tsx1990useEffect(() => {1991analytics.trackPageView(pathname)1992document.title = `${pageTitle} | My App`1993}, [pathname, pageTitle])1994```19951996**Correct: effects run independently**19971998```tsx1999useEffect(() => {2000analytics.trackPageView(pathname)2001}, [pathname])20022003useEffect(() => {2004document.title = `${pageTitle} | My App`2005}, [pageTitle])2006```20072008**Note:** If your project has [React Compiler](https://react.dev/learn/react-compiler) enabled, it automatically optimizes dependency tracking and may handle some of these cases for you.20092010### 5.10 Subscribe to Derived State20112012**Impact: MEDIUM (reduces re-render frequency)**20132014Subscribe to derived boolean state instead of continuous values to reduce re-render frequency.20152016**Incorrect: re-renders on every pixel change**20172018```tsx2019function Sidebar() {2020const width = useWindowWidth() // updates continuously2021const isMobile = width < 7682022return <nav className={isMobile ? 'mobile' : 'desktop'} />2023}2024```20252026**Correct: re-renders only when boolean changes**20272028```tsx2029function Sidebar() {2030const isMobile = useMediaQuery('(max-width: 767px)')2031return <nav className={isMobile ? 'mobile' : 'desktop'} />2032}2033```20342035### 5.11 Use Functional setState Updates20362037**Impact: MEDIUM (prevents stale closures and unnecessary callback recreations)**20382039When updating state based on the current state value, use the functional update form of setState instead of directly referencing the state variable. This prevents stale closures, eliminates unnecessary dependencies, and creates stable callback references.20402041**Incorrect: requires state as dependency**20422043```tsx2044function TodoList() {2045const [items, setItems] = useState(initialItems)20462047// Callback must depend on items, recreated on every items change2048const addItems = useCallback((newItems: Item[]) => {2049setItems([...items, ...newItems])2050}, [items]) // ❌ items dependency causes recreations20512052// Risk of stale closure if dependency is forgotten2053const removeItem = useCallback((id: string) => {2054setItems(items.filter(item => item.id !== id))2055}, []) // ❌ Missing items dependency - will use stale items!20562057return <ItemsEditor items={items} onAdd={addItems} onRemove={removeItem} />2058}2059```20602061The first callback is recreated every time `items` changes, which can cause child components to re-render unnecessarily. The second callback has a stale closure bug—it will always reference the initial `items` value.20622063**Correct: stable callbacks, no stale closures**20642065```tsx2066function TodoList() {2067const [items, setItems] = useState(initialItems)20682069// Stable callback, never recreated2070const addItems = useCallback((newItems: Item[]) => {2071setItems(curr => [...curr, ...newItems])2072}, []) // ✅ No dependencies needed20732074// Always uses latest state, no stale closure risk2075const removeItem = useCallback((id: string) => {2076setItems(curr => curr.filter(item => item.id !== id))2077}, []) // ✅ Safe and stable20782079return <ItemsEditor items={items} onAdd={addItems} onRemove={removeItem} />2080}2081```20822083**Benefits:**208420851. **Stable callback references** - Callbacks don't need to be recreated when state changes208620872. **No stale closures** - Always operates on the latest state value208820893. **Fewer dependencies** - Simplifies dependency arrays and reduces memory leaks209020914. **Prevents bugs** - Eliminates the most common source of React closure bugs20922093**When to use functional updates:**20942095- Any setState that depends on the current state value20962097- Inside useCallback/useMemo when state is needed20982099- Event handlers that reference state21002101- Async operations that update state21022103**When direct updates are fine:**21042105- Setting state to a static value: `setCount(0)`21062107- Setting state from props/arguments only: `setName(newName)`21082109- State doesn't depend on previous value21102111**Note:** If your project has [React Compiler](https://react.dev/learn/react-compiler) enabled, the compiler can automatically optimize some cases, but functional updates are still recommended for correctness and to prevent stale closure bugs.21122113### 5.12 Use Lazy State Initialization21142115**Impact: MEDIUM (wasted computation on every render)**21162117Pass a function to `useState` for expensive initial values. Without the function form, the initializer runs on every render even though the value is only used once.21182119**Incorrect: runs on every render**21202121```tsx2122function FilteredList({ items }: { items: Item[] }) {2123// buildSearchIndex() runs on EVERY render, even after initialization2124const [searchIndex, setSearchIndex] = useState(buildSearchIndex(items))2125const [query, setQuery] = useState('')21262127// When query changes, buildSearchIndex runs again unnecessarily2128return <SearchResults index={searchIndex} query={query} />2129}21302131function UserProfile() {2132// JSON.parse runs on every render2133const [settings, setSettings] = useState(2134JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('settings') || '{}')2135)21362137return <SettingsForm settings={settings} onChange={setSettings} />2138}2139```21402141**Correct: runs only once**21422143```tsx2144function FilteredList({ items }: { items: Item[] }) {2145// buildSearchIndex() runs ONLY on initial render2146const [searchIndex, setSearchIndex] = useState(() => buildSearchIndex(items))2147const [query, setQuery] = useState('')21482149return <SearchResults index={searchIndex} query={query} />2150}21512152function UserProfile() {2153// JSON.parse runs only on initial render2154const [settings, setSettings] = useState(() => {2155const stored = localStorage.getItem('settings')2156return stored ? JSON.parse(stored) : {}2157})21582159return <SettingsForm settings={settings} onChange={setSettings} />2160}2161```21622163Use lazy initialization when computing initial values from localStorage/sessionStorage, building data structures (indexes, maps), reading from the DOM, or performing heavy transformations.21642165For simple primitives (`useState(0)`), direct references (`useState(props.value)`), or cheap literals (`useState({})`), the function form is unnecessary.21662167### 5.13 Use Transitions for Non-Urgent Updates21682169**Impact: MEDIUM (maintains UI responsiveness)**21702171Mark frequent, non-urgent state updates as transitions to maintain UI responsiveness.21722173**Incorrect: blocks UI on every scroll**21742175```tsx2176function ScrollTracker() {2177const [scrollY, setScrollY] = useState(0)2178useEffect(() => {2179const handler = () => setScrollY(window.scrollY)2180window.addEventListener('scroll', handler, { passive: true })2181return () => window.removeEventListener('scroll', handler)2182}, [])2183}2184```21852186**Correct: non-blocking updates**21872188```tsx2189import { startTransition } from 'react'21902191function ScrollTracker() {2192const [scrollY, setScrollY] = useState(0)2193useEffect(() => {2194const handler = () => {2195startTransition(() => setScrollY(window.scrollY))2196}2197window.addEventListener('scroll', handler, { passive: true })2198return () => window.removeEventListener('scroll', handler)2199}, [])2200}2201```22022203### 5.14 Use useDeferredValue for Expensive Derived Renders22042205**Impact: MEDIUM (keeps input responsive during heavy computation)**22062207When user input triggers expensive computations or renders, use `useDeferredValue` to keep the input responsive. The deferred value lags behind, allowing React to prioritize the input update and render the expensive result when idle.22082209**Incorrect: input feels laggy while filtering**22102211```tsx2212function Search({ items }: { items: Item[] }) {2213const [query, setQuery] = useState('')2214const filtered = items.filter(item => fuzzyMatch(item, query))22152216return (2217<>2218<input value={query} onChange={e => setQuery(e.target.value)} />2219<ResultsList results={filtered} />2220</>2221)2222}2223```22242225**Correct: input stays snappy, results render when ready**22262227```tsx2228function Search({ items }: { items: Item[] }) {2229const [query, setQuery] = useState('')2230const deferredQuery = useDeferredValue(query)2231const filtered = useMemo(2232() => items.filter(item => fuzzyMatch(item, deferredQuery)),2233[items, deferredQuery]2234)2235const isStale = query !== deferredQuery22362237return (2238<>2239<input value={query} onChange={e => setQuery(e.target.value)} />2240<div style={{ opacity: isStale ? 0.7 : 1 }}>2241<ResultsList results={filtered} />2242</div>2243</>2244)2245}2246```22472248**When to use:**22492250- Filtering/searching large lists22512252- Expensive visualizations (charts, graphs) reacting to input22532254- Any derived state that causes noticeable render delays22552256**Note:** Wrap the expensive computation in `useMemo` with the deferred value as a dependency, otherwise it still runs on every render.22572258Reference: [https://react.dev/reference/react/useDeferredValue](https://react.dev/reference/react/useDeferredValue)22592260### 5.15 Use useRef for Transient Values22612262**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids unnecessary re-renders on frequent updates)**22632264When a value changes frequently and you don't want a re-render on every update (e.g., mouse trackers, intervals, transient flags), store it in `useRef` instead of `useState`. Keep component state for UI; use refs for temporary DOM-adjacent values. Updating a ref does not trigger a re-render.22652266**Incorrect: renders every update**22672268```tsx2269function Tracker() {2270const [lastX, setLastX] = useState(0)22712272useEffect(() => {2273const onMove = (e: MouseEvent) => setLastX(e.clientX)2274window.addEventListener('mousemove', onMove)2275return () => window.removeEventListener('mousemove', onMove)2276}, [])22772278return (2279<div2280style={{2281position: 'fixed',2282top: 0,2283left: lastX,2284width: 8,2285height: 8,2286background: 'black',2287}}2288/>2289)2290}2291```22922293**Correct: no re-render for tracking**22942295```tsx2296function Tracker() {2297const lastXRef = useRef(0)2298const dotRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)22992300useEffect(() => {2301const onMove = (e: MouseEvent) => {2302lastXRef.current = e.clientX2303const node = dotRef.current2304if (node) {2305node.style.transform = `translateX(${e.clientX}px)`2306}2307}2308window.addEventListener('mousemove', onMove)2309return () => window.removeEventListener('mousemove', onMove)2310}, [])23112312return (2313<div2314ref={dotRef}2315style={{2316position: 'fixed',2317top: 0,2318left: 0,2319width: 8,2320height: 8,2321background: 'black',2322transform: 'translateX(0px)',2323}}2324/>2325)2326}2327```23282329---23302331## 6. Rendering Performance23322333**Impact: MEDIUM**23342335Optimizing the rendering process reduces the work the browser needs to do.23362337### 6.1 Animate SVG Wrapper Instead of SVG Element23382339**Impact: LOW (enables hardware acceleration)**23402341Many browsers don't have hardware acceleration for CSS3 animations on SVG elements. Wrap SVG in a `<div>` and animate the wrapper instead.23422343**Incorrect: animating SVG directly - no hardware acceleration**23442345```tsx2346function LoadingSpinner() {2347return (2348<svg2349className="animate-spin"2350width="24"2351height="24"2352viewBox="0 0 24 24"2353>2354<circle cx="12" cy="12" r="10" stroke="currentColor" />2355</svg>2356)2357}2358```23592360**Correct: animating wrapper div - hardware accelerated**23612362```tsx2363function LoadingSpinner() {2364return (2365<div className="animate-spin">2366<svg2367width="24"2368height="24"2369viewBox="0 0 24 24"2370>2371<circle cx="12" cy="12" r="10" stroke="currentColor" />2372</svg>2373</div>2374)2375}2376```23772378This applies to all CSS transforms and transitions (`transform`, `opacity`, `translate`, `scale`, `rotate`). The wrapper div allows browsers to use GPU acceleration for smoother animations.23792380### 6.2 CSS content-visibility for Long Lists23812382**Impact: HIGH (faster initial render)**23832384Apply `content-visibility: auto` to defer off-screen rendering.23852386**CSS:**23872388```css2389.message-item {2390content-visibility: auto;2391contain-intrinsic-size: 0 80px;2392}2393```23942395**Example:**23962397```tsx2398function MessageList({ messages }: { messages: Message[] }) {2399return (2400<div className="overflow-y-auto h-screen">2401{messages.map(msg => (2402<div key={msg.id} className="message-item">2403<Avatar user={msg.author} />2404<div>{msg.content}</div>2405</div>2406))}2407</div>2408)2409}2410```24112412For 1000 messages, browser skips layout/paint for ~990 off-screen items (10× faster initial render).24132414### 6.3 Hoist Static JSX Elements24152416**Impact: LOW (avoids re-creation)**24172418Extract static JSX outside components to avoid re-creation.24192420**Incorrect: recreates element every render**24212422```tsx2423function LoadingSkeleton() {2424return <div className="animate-pulse h-20 bg-gray-200" />2425}24262427function Container() {2428return (2429<div>2430{loading && <LoadingSkeleton />}2431</div>2432)2433}2434```24352436**Correct: reuses same element**24372438```tsx2439const loadingSkeleton = (2440<div className="animate-pulse h-20 bg-gray-200" />2441)24422443function Container() {2444return (2445<div>2446{loading && loadingSkeleton}2447</div>2448)2449}2450```24512452This is especially helpful for large and static SVG nodes, which can be expensive to recreate on every render.24532454**Note:** If your project has [React Compiler](https://react.dev/learn/react-compiler) enabled, the compiler automatically hoists static JSX elements and optimizes component re-renders, making manual hoisting unnecessary.24552456### 6.4 Optimize SVG Precision24572458**Impact: LOW (reduces file size)**24592460Reduce SVG coordinate precision to decrease file size. The optimal precision depends on the viewBox size, but in general reducing precision should be considered.24612462**Incorrect: excessive precision**24632464```svg2465<path d="M 10.293847 20.847362 L 30.938472 40.192837" />2466```24672468**Correct: 1 decimal place**24692470```svg2471<path d="M 10.3 20.8 L 30.9 40.2" />2472```24732474**Automate with SVGO:**24752476```bash2477npx svgo --precision=1 --multipass icon.svg2478```24792480### 6.5 Prevent Hydration Mismatch Without Flickering24812482**Impact: MEDIUM (avoids visual flicker and hydration errors)**24832484When rendering content that depends on client-side storage (localStorage, cookies), avoid both SSR breakage and post-hydration flickering by injecting a synchronous script that updates the DOM before React hydrates.24852486**Incorrect: breaks SSR**24872488```tsx2489function ThemeWrapper({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {2490// localStorage is not available on server - throws error2491const theme = localStorage.getItem('theme') || 'light'24922493return (2494<div className={theme}>2495{children}2496</div>2497)2498}2499```25002501Server-side rendering will fail because `localStorage` is undefined.25022503**Incorrect: visual flickering**25042505```tsx2506function ThemeWrapper({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {2507const [theme, setTheme] = useState('light')25082509useEffect(() => {2510// Runs after hydration - causes visible flash2511const stored = localStorage.getItem('theme')2512if (stored) {2513setTheme(stored)2514}2515}, [])25162517return (2518<div className={theme}>2519{children}2520</div>2521)2522}2523```25242525Component first renders with default value (`light`), then updates after hydration, causing a visible flash of incorrect content.25262527**Correct: no flicker, no hydration mismatch**25282529```tsx2530function ThemeWrapper({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {2531return (2532<>2533<div id="theme-wrapper">2534{children}2535</div>2536<script2537dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{2538__html: `2539(function() {2540try {2541var theme = localStorage.getItem('theme') || 'light';2542var el = document.getElementById('theme-wrapper');2543if (el) el.className = theme;2544} catch (e) {}2545})();2546`,2547}}2548/>2549</>2550)2551}2552```25532554The inline script executes synchronously before showing the element, ensuring the DOM already has the correct value. No flickering, no hydration mismatch.25552556This pattern is especially useful for theme toggles, user preferences, authentication states, and any client-only data that should render immediately without flashing default values.25572558### 6.6 Suppress Expected Hydration Mismatches25592560**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (avoids noisy hydration warnings for known differences)**25612562In SSR frameworks (e.g., Next.js), some values are intentionally different on server vs client (random IDs, dates, locale/timezone formatting). For these *expected* mismatches, wrap the dynamic text in an element with `suppressHydrationWarning` to prevent noisy warnings. Do not use this to hide real bugs. Don’t overuse it.25632564**Incorrect: known mismatch warnings**25652566```tsx2567function Timestamp() {2568return <span>{new Date().toLocaleString()}</span>2569}2570```25712572**Correct: suppress expected mismatch only**25732574```tsx2575function Timestamp() {2576return (2577<span suppressHydrationWarning>2578{new Date().toLocaleString()}2579</span>2580)2581}2582```25832584### 6.7 Use Activity Component for Show/Hide25852586**Impact: MEDIUM (preserves state/DOM)**25872588Use React's `<Activity>` to preserve state/DOM for expensive components that frequently toggle visibility.25892590**Usage:**25912592```tsx2593import { Activity } from 'react'25942595function Dropdown({ isOpen }: Props) {2596return (2597<Activity mode={isOpen ? 'visible' : 'hidden'}>2598<ExpensiveMenu />2599</Activity>2600)2601}2602```26032604Avoids expensive re-renders and state loss.26052606### 6.8 Use defer or async on Script Tags26072608**Impact: HIGH (eliminates render-blocking)**26092610Script tags without `defer` or `async` block HTML parsing while the script downloads and executes. This delays First Contentful Paint and Time to Interactive.26112612- **`defer`**: Downloads in parallel, executes after HTML parsing completes, maintains execution order26132614- **`async`**: Downloads in parallel, executes immediately when ready, no guaranteed order26152616Use `defer` for scripts that depend on DOM or other scripts. Use `async` for independent scripts like analytics.26172618**Incorrect: blocks rendering**26192620```tsx2621export default function Document() {2622return (2623<html>2624<head>2625<script src="https://example.com/analytics.js" />2626<script src="/scripts/utils.js" />2627</head>2628<body>{/* content */}</body>2629</html>2630)2631}2632```26332634**Correct: non-blocking**26352636```tsx2637import Script from 'next/script'26382639export default function Page() {2640return (2641<>2642<Script src="https://example.com/analytics.js" strategy="afterInteractive" />2643<Script src="/scripts/utils.js" strategy="beforeInteractive" />2644</>2645)2646}2647```26482649**Note:** In Next.js, prefer the `next/script` component with `strategy` prop instead of raw script tags:26502651Reference: [https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/script#defer](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/script#defer)26522653### 6.9 Use Explicit Conditional Rendering26542655**Impact: LOW (prevents rendering 0 or NaN)**26562657Use explicit ternary operators (`? :`) instead of `&&` for conditional rendering when the condition can be `0`, `NaN`, or other falsy values that render.26582659**Incorrect: renders "0" when count is 0**26602661```tsx2662function Badge({ count }: { count: number }) {2663return (2664<div>2665{count && <span className="badge">{count}</span>}2666</div>2667)2668}26692670// When count = 0, renders: <div>0</div>2671// When count = 5, renders: <div><span class="badge">5</span></div>2672```26732674**Correct: renders nothing when count is 0**26752676```tsx2677function Badge({ count }: { count: number }) {2678return (2679<div>2680{count > 0 ? <span className="badge">{count}</span> : null}2681</div>2682)2683}26842685// When count = 0, renders: <div></div>2686// When count = 5, renders: <div><span class="badge">5</span></div>2687```26882689### 6.10 Use React DOM Resource Hints26902691**Impact: HIGH (reduces load time for critical resources)**26922693React DOM provides APIs to hint the browser about resources it will need. These are especially useful in server components to start loading resources before the client even receives the HTML.26942695- **`prefetchDNS(href)`**: Resolve DNS for a domain you expect to connect to26962697- **`preconnect(href)`**: Establish connection (DNS + TCP + TLS) to a server26982699- **`preload(href, options)`**: Fetch a resource (stylesheet, font, script, image) you'll use soon27002701- **`preloadModule(href)`**: Fetch an ES module you'll use soon27022703- **`preinit(href, options)`**: Fetch and evaluate a stylesheet or script27042705- **`preinitModule(href)`**: Fetch and evaluate an ES module27062707**Example: preconnect to third-party APIs**27082709```tsx2710import { preconnect, prefetchDNS } from 'react-dom'27112712export default function App() {2713prefetchDNS('https://analytics.example.com')2714preconnect('https://api.example.com')27152716return <main>{/* content */}</main>2717}2718```27192720**Example: preload critical fonts and styles**27212722```tsx2723import { preload, preinit } from 'react-dom'27242725export default function RootLayout({ children }) {2726// Preload font file2727preload('/fonts/inter.woff2', { as: 'font', type: 'font/woff2', crossOrigin: 'anonymous' })27282729// Fetch and apply critical stylesheet immediately2730preinit('/styles/critical.css', { as: 'style' })27312732return (2733<html>2734<body>{children}</body>2735</html>2736)2737}2738```27392740**Example: preload modules for code-split routes**27412742```tsx2743import { preloadModule, preinitModule } from 'react-dom'27442745function Navigation() {2746const preloadDashboard = () => {2747preloadModule('/dashboard.js', { as: 'script' })2748}27492750return (2751<nav>2752<a href="/dashboard" onMouseEnter={preloadDashboard}>2753Dashboard2754</a>2755</nav>2756)2757}2758```27592760**When to use each:**27612762| API | Use case |27632764|-----|----------|27652766| `prefetchDNS` | Third-party domains you'll connect to later |27672768| `preconnect` | APIs or CDNs you'll fetch from immediately |27692770| `preload` | Critical resources needed for current page |27712772| `preloadModule` | JS modules for likely next navigation |27732774| `preinit` | Stylesheets/scripts that must execute early |27752776| `preinitModule` | ES modules that must execute early |27772778Reference: [https://react.dev/reference/react-dom#resource-preloading-apis](https://react.dev/reference/react-dom#resource-preloading-apis)27792780### 6.11 Use useTransition Over Manual Loading States27812782**Impact: LOW (reduces re-renders and improves code clarity)**27832784Use `useTransition` instead of manual `useState` for loading states. This provides built-in `isPending` state and automatically manages transitions.27852786**Incorrect: manual loading state**27872788```tsx2789function SearchResults() {2790const [query, setQuery] = useState('')2791const [results, setResults] = useState([])2792const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(false)27932794const handleSearch = async (value: string) => {2795setIsLoading(true)2796setQuery(value)2797const data = await fetchResults(value)2798setResults(data)2799setIsLoading(false)2800}28012802return (2803<>2804<input onChange={(e) => handleSearch(e.target.value)} />2805{isLoading && <Spinner />}2806<ResultsList results={results} />2807</>2808)2809}2810```28112812**Correct: useTransition with built-in pending state**28132814```tsx2815import { useTransition, useState } from 'react'28162817function SearchResults() {2818const [query, setQuery] = useState('')2819const [results, setResults] = useState([])2820const [isPending, startTransition] = useTransition()28212822const handleSearch = (value: string) => {2823setQuery(value) // Update input immediately28242825startTransition(async () => {2826// Fetch and update results2827const data = await fetchResults(value)2828setResults(data)2829})2830}28312832return (2833<>2834<input onChange={(e) => handleSearch(e.target.value)} />2835{isPending && <Spinner />}2836<ResultsList results={results} />2837</>2838)2839}2840```28412842**Benefits:**28432844- **Automatic pending state**: No need to manually manage `setIsLoading(true/false)`28452846- **Error resilience**: Pending state correctly resets even if the transition throws28472848- **Better responsiveness**: Keeps the UI responsive during updates28492850- **Interrupt handling**: New transitions automatically cancel pending ones28512852Reference: [https://react.dev/reference/react/useTransition](https://react.dev/reference/react/useTransition)28532854---28552856## 7. JavaScript Performance28572858**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM**28592860Micro-optimizations for hot paths can add up to meaningful improvements.28612862### 7.1 Avoid Layout Thrashing28632864**Impact: MEDIUM (prevents forced synchronous layouts and reduces performance bottlenecks)**28652866Avoid interleaving style writes with layout reads. When you read a layout property (like `offsetWidth`, `getBoundingClientRect()`, or `getComputedStyle()`) between style changes, the browser is forced to trigger a synchronous reflow.28672868**This is OK: browser batches style changes**28692870```typescript2871function updateElementStyles(element: HTMLElement) {2872// Each line invalidates style, but browser batches the recalculation2873element.style.width = '100px'2874element.style.height = '200px'2875element.style.backgroundColor = 'blue'2876element.style.border = '1px solid black'2877}2878```28792880**Incorrect: interleaved reads and writes force reflows**28812882```typescript2883function layoutThrashing(element: HTMLElement) {2884element.style.width = '100px'2885const width = element.offsetWidth // Forces reflow2886element.style.height = '200px'2887const height = element.offsetHeight // Forces another reflow2888}2889```28902891**Correct: batch writes, then read once**28922893```typescript2894function updateElementStyles(element: HTMLElement) {2895// Batch all writes together2896element.style.width = '100px'2897element.style.height = '200px'2898element.style.backgroundColor = 'blue'2899element.style.border = '1px solid black'29002901// Read after all writes are done (single reflow)2902const { width, height } = element.getBoundingClientRect()2903}2904```29052906**Correct: batch reads, then writes**29072908```typescript2909function updateElementStyles(element: HTMLElement) {2910element.classList.add('highlighted-box')29112912const { width, height } = element.getBoundingClientRect()2913}2914```29152916**Better: use CSS classes**29172918**React example:**29192920```tsx2921// Incorrect: interleaving style changes with layout queries2922function Box({ isHighlighted }: { isHighlighted: boolean }) {2923const ref = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)29242925useEffect(() => {2926if (ref.current && isHighlighted) {2927ref.current.style.width = '100px'2928const width = ref.current.offsetWidth // Forces layout2929ref.current.style.height = '200px'2930}2931}, [isHighlighted])29322933return <div ref={ref}>Content</div>2934}29352936// Correct: toggle class2937function Box({ isHighlighted }: { isHighlighted: boolean }) {2938return (2939<div className={isHighlighted ? 'highlighted-box' : ''}>2940Content2941</div>2942)2943}2944```29452946Prefer CSS classes over inline styles when possible. CSS files are cached by the browser, and classes provide better separation of concerns and are easier to maintain.29472948See [this gist](https://gist.github.com/paulirish/5d52fb081b3570c81e3a) and [CSS Triggers](https://csstriggers.com/) for more information on layout-forcing operations.29492950### 7.2 Build Index Maps for Repeated Lookups29512952**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (1M ops to 2K ops)**29532954Multiple `.find()` calls by the same key should use a Map.29552956**Incorrect (O(n) per lookup):**29572958```typescript2959function processOrders(orders: Order[], users: User[]) {2960return orders.map(order => ({2961...order,2962user: users.find(u => u.id === order.userId)2963}))2964}2965```29662967**Correct (O(1) per lookup):**29682969```typescript2970function processOrders(orders: Order[], users: User[]) {2971const userById = new Map(users.map(u => [u.id, u]))29722973return orders.map(order => ({2974...order,2975user: userById.get(order.userId)2976}))2977}2978```29792980Build map once (O(n)), then all lookups are O(1).29812982For 1000 orders × 1000 users: 1M ops → 2K ops.29832984### 7.3 Cache Property Access in Loops29852986**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (reduces lookups)**29872988Cache object property lookups in hot paths.29892990**Incorrect: 3 lookups × N iterations**29912992```typescript2993for (let i = 0; i < arr.length; i++) {2994process(obj.config.settings.value)2995}2996```29972998**Correct: 1 lookup total**29993000```typescript3001const value = obj.config.settings.value3002const len = arr.length3003for (let i = 0; i < len; i++) {3004process(value)3005}3006```30073008### 7.4 Cache Repeated Function Calls30093010**Impact: MEDIUM (avoid redundant computation)**30113012Use a module-level Map to cache function results when the same function is called repeatedly with the same inputs during render.30133014**Incorrect: redundant computation**30153016```typescript3017function ProjectList({ projects }: { projects: Project[] }) {3018return (3019<div>3020{projects.map(project => {3021// slugify() called 100+ times for same project names3022const slug = slugify(project.name)30233024return <ProjectCard key={project.id} slug={slug} />3025})}3026</div>3027)3028}3029```30303031**Correct: cached results**30323033```typescript3034// Module-level cache3035const slugifyCache = new Map<string, string>()30363037function cachedSlugify(text: string): string {3038if (slugifyCache.has(text)) {3039return slugifyCache.get(text)!3040}3041const result = slugify(text)3042slugifyCache.set(text, result)3043return result3044}30453046function ProjectList({ projects }: { projects: Project[] }) {3047return (3048<div>3049{projects.map(project => {3050// Computed only once per unique project name3051const slug = cachedSlugify(project.name)30523053return <ProjectCard key={project.id} slug={slug} />3054})}3055</div>3056)3057}3058```30593060**Simpler pattern for single-value functions:**30613062```typescript3063let isLoggedInCache: boolean | null = null30643065function isLoggedIn(): boolean {3066if (isLoggedInCache !== null) {3067return isLoggedInCache3068}30693070isLoggedInCache = document.cookie.includes('auth=')3071return isLoggedInCache3072}30733074// Clear cache when auth changes3075function onAuthChange() {3076isLoggedInCache = null3077}3078```30793080Use a Map (not a hook) so it works everywhere: utilities, event handlers, not just React components.30813082Reference: [https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-made-the-vercel-dashboard-twice-as-fast](https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-made-the-vercel-dashboard-twice-as-fast)30833084### 7.5 Cache Storage API Calls30853086**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (reduces expensive I/O)**30873088`localStorage`, `sessionStorage`, and `document.cookie` are synchronous and expensive. Cache reads in memory.30893090**Incorrect: reads storage on every call**30913092```typescript3093function getTheme() {3094return localStorage.getItem('theme') ?? 'light'3095}3096// Called 10 times = 10 storage reads3097```30983099**Correct: Map cache**31003101```typescript3102const storageCache = new Map<string, string | null>()31033104function getLocalStorage(key: string) {3105if (!storageCache.has(key)) {3106storageCache.set(key, localStorage.getItem(key))3107}3108return storageCache.get(key)3109}31103111function setLocalStorage(key: string, value: string) {3112localStorage.setItem(key, value)3113storageCache.set(key, value) // keep cache in sync3114}3115```31163117Use a Map (not a hook) so it works everywhere: utilities, event handlers, not just React components.31183119**Cookie caching:**31203121```typescript3122let cookieCache: Record<string, string> | null = null31233124function getCookie(name: string) {3125if (!cookieCache) {3126cookieCache = Object.fromEntries(3127document.cookie.split('; ').map(c => c.split('='))3128)3129}3130return cookieCache[name]3131}3132```31333134**Important: invalidate on external changes**31353136```typescript3137window.addEventListener('storage', (e) => {3138if (e.key) storageCache.delete(e.key)3139})31403141document.addEventListener('visibilitychange', () => {3142if (document.visibilityState === 'visible') {3143storageCache.clear()3144}3145})3146```31473148If storage can change externally (another tab, server-set cookies), invalidate cache:31493150### 7.6 Combine Multiple Array Iterations31513152**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (reduces iterations)**31533154Multiple `.filter()` or `.map()` calls iterate the array multiple times. Combine into one loop.31553156**Incorrect: 3 iterations**31573158```typescript3159const admins = users.filter(u => u.isAdmin)3160const testers = users.filter(u => u.isTester)3161const inactive = users.filter(u => !u.isActive)3162```31633164**Correct: 1 iteration**31653166```typescript3167const admins: User[] = []3168const testers: User[] = []3169const inactive: User[] = []31703171for (const user of users) {3172if (user.isAdmin) admins.push(user)3173if (user.isTester) testers.push(user)3174if (!user.isActive) inactive.push(user)3175}3176```31773178### 7.7 Defer Non-Critical Work with requestIdleCallback31793180**Impact: MEDIUM (keeps UI responsive during background tasks)**31813182Use `requestIdleCallback()` to schedule non-critical work during browser idle periods. This keeps the main thread free for user interactions and animations, reducing jank and improving perceived performance.31833184**Incorrect: blocks main thread during user interaction**31853186```typescript3187function handleSearch(query: string) {3188const results = searchItems(query)3189setResults(results)31903191// These block the main thread immediately3192analytics.track('search', { query })3193saveToRecentSearches(query)3194prefetchTopResults(results.slice(0, 3))3195}3196```31973198**Correct: defers non-critical work to idle time**31993200```typescript3201function handleSearch(query: string) {3202const results = searchItems(query)3203setResults(results)32043205// Defer non-critical work to idle periods3206requestIdleCallback(() => {3207analytics.track('search', { query })3208})32093210requestIdleCallback(() => {3211saveToRecentSearches(query)3212})32133214requestIdleCallback(() => {3215prefetchTopResults(results.slice(0, 3))3216})3217}3218```32193220**With timeout for required work:**32213222```typescript3223// Ensure analytics fires within 2 seconds even if browser stays busy3224requestIdleCallback(3225() => analytics.track('page_view', { path: location.pathname }),3226{ timeout: 2000 }3227)3228```32293230**Chunking large tasks:**32313232```typescript3233function processLargeDataset(items: Item[]) {3234let index = 032353236function processChunk(deadline: IdleDeadline) {3237// Process items while we have idle time (aim for <50ms chunks)3238while (index < items.length && deadline.timeRemaining() > 0) {3239processItem(items[index])3240index++3241}32423243// Schedule next chunk if more items remain3244if (index < items.length) {3245requestIdleCallback(processChunk)3246}3247}32483249requestIdleCallback(processChunk)3250}3251```32523253**With fallback for unsupported browsers:**32543255```typescript3256const scheduleIdleWork = window.requestIdleCallback ?? ((cb: () => void) => setTimeout(cb, 1))32573258scheduleIdleWork(() => {3259// Non-critical work3260})3261```32623263**When to use:**32643265- Analytics and telemetry32663267- Saving state to localStorage/IndexedDB32683269- Prefetching resources for likely next actions32703271- Processing non-urgent data transformations32723273- Lazy initialization of non-critical features32743275**When NOT to use:**32763277- User-initiated actions that need immediate feedback32783279- Rendering updates the user is waiting for32803281- Time-sensitive operations32823283### 7.8 Early Length Check for Array Comparisons32843285**Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH (avoids expensive operations when lengths differ)**32863287When comparing arrays with expensive operations (sorting, deep equality, serialization), check lengths first. If lengths differ, the arrays cannot be equal.32883289In real-world applications, this optimization is especially valuable when the comparison runs in hot paths (event handlers, render loops).32903291**Incorrect: always runs expensive comparison**32923293```typescript3294function hasChanges(current: string[], original: string[]) {3295// Always sorts and joins, even when lengths differ3296return current.sort().join() !== original.sort().join()3297}3298```32993300Two O(n log n) sorts run even when `current.length` is 5 and `original.length` is 100. There is also overhead of joining the arrays and comparing the strings.33013302**Correct (O(1) length check first):**33033304```typescript3305function hasChanges(current: string[], original: string[]) {3306// Early return if lengths differ3307if (current.length !== original.length) {3308return true3309}3310// Only sort when lengths match3311const currentSorted = current.toSorted()3312const originalSorted = original.toSorted()3313for (let i = 0; i < currentSorted.length; i++) {3314if (currentSorted[i] !== originalSorted[i]) {3315return true3316}3317}3318return false3319}3320```33213322This new approach is more efficient because:33233324- It avoids the overhead of sorting and joining the arrays when lengths differ33253326- It avoids consuming memory for the joined strings (especially important for large arrays)33273328- It avoids mutating the original arrays33293330- It returns early when a difference is found33313332### 7.9 Early Return from Functions33333334**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (avoids unnecessary computation)**33353336Return early when result is determined to skip unnecessary processing.33373338**Incorrect: processes all items even after finding answer**33393340```typescript3341function validateUsers(users: User[]) {3342let hasError = false3343let errorMessage = ''33443345for (const user of users) {3346if (!user.email) {3347hasError = true3348errorMessage = 'Email required'3349}3350if (!user.name) {3351hasError = true3352errorMessage = 'Name required'3353}3354// Continues checking all users even after error found3355}33563357return hasError ? { valid: false, error: errorMessage } : { valid: true }3358}3359```33603361**Correct: returns immediately on first error**33623363```typescript3364function validateUsers(users: User[]) {3365for (const user of users) {3366if (!user.email) {3367return { valid: false, error: 'Email required' }3368}3369if (!user.name) {3370return { valid: false, error: 'Name required' }3371}3372}33733374return { valid: true }3375}3376```33773378### 7.10 Hoist RegExp Creation33793380**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (avoids recreation)**33813382Don't create RegExp inside render. Hoist to module scope or memoize with `useMemo()`.33833384**Incorrect: new RegExp every render**33853386```tsx3387function Highlighter({ text, query }: Props) {3388const regex = new RegExp(`(${query})`, 'gi')3389const parts = text.split(regex)3390return <>{parts.map((part, i) => ...)}</>3391}3392```33933394**Correct: memoize or hoist**33953396```tsx3397const EMAIL_REGEX = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/33983399function Highlighter({ text, query }: Props) {3400const regex = useMemo(3401() => new RegExp(`(${escapeRegex(query)})`, 'gi'),3402[query]3403)3404const parts = text.split(regex)3405return <>{parts.map((part, i) => ...)}</>3406}3407```34083409**Warning: global regex has mutable state**34103411```typescript3412const regex = /foo/g3413regex.test('foo') // true, lastIndex = 33414regex.test('foo') // false, lastIndex = 03415```34163417Global regex (`/g`) has mutable `lastIndex` state:34183419### 7.11 Use flatMap to Map and Filter in One Pass34203421**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (eliminates intermediate array)**34223423Chaining `.map().filter(Boolean)` creates an intermediate array and iterates twice. Use `.flatMap()` to transform and filter in a single pass.34243425**Incorrect: 2 iterations, intermediate array**34263427```typescript3428const userNames = users3429.map(user => user.isActive ? user.name : null)3430.filter(Boolean)3431```34323433**Correct: 1 iteration, no intermediate array**34343435```typescript3436const userNames = users.flatMap(user =>3437user.isActive ? [user.name] : []3438)3439```34403441**More examples:**34423443```typescript3444// Extract valid emails from responses3445// Before3446const emails = responses3447.map(r => r.success ? r.data.email : null)3448.filter(Boolean)34493450// After3451const emails = responses.flatMap(r =>3452r.success ? [r.data.email] : []3453)34543455// Parse and filter valid numbers3456// Before3457const numbers = strings3458.map(s => parseInt(s, 10))3459.filter(n => !isNaN(n))34603461// After3462const numbers = strings.flatMap(s => {3463const n = parseInt(s, 10)3464return isNaN(n) ? [] : [n]3465})3466```34673468**When to use:**34693470- Transforming items while filtering some out34713472- Conditional mapping where some inputs produce no output34733474- Parsing/validating where invalid inputs should be skipped34753476### 7.12 Use Loop for Min/Max Instead of Sort34773478**Impact: LOW (O(n) instead of O(n log n))**34793480Finding the smallest or largest element only requires a single pass through the array. Sorting is wasteful and slower.34813482**Incorrect (O(n log n) - sort to find latest):**34833484```typescript3485interface Project {3486id: string3487name: string3488updatedAt: number3489}34903491function getLatestProject(projects: Project[]) {3492const sorted = [...projects].sort((a, b) => b.updatedAt - a.updatedAt)3493return sorted[0]3494}3495```34963497Sorts the entire array just to find the maximum value.34983499**Incorrect (O(n log n) - sort for oldest and newest):**35003501```typescript3502function getOldestAndNewest(projects: Project[]) {3503const sorted = [...projects].sort((a, b) => a.updatedAt - b.updatedAt)3504return { oldest: sorted[0], newest: sorted[sorted.length - 1] }3505}3506```35073508Still sorts unnecessarily when only min/max are needed.35093510**Correct (O(n) - single loop):**35113512```typescript3513function getLatestProject(projects: Project[]) {3514if (projects.length === 0) return null35153516let latest = projects[0]35173518for (let i = 1; i < projects.length; i++) {3519if (projects[i].updatedAt > latest.updatedAt) {3520latest = projects[i]3521}3522}35233524return latest3525}35263527function getOldestAndNewest(projects: Project[]) {3528if (projects.length === 0) return { oldest: null, newest: null }35293530let oldest = projects[0]3531let newest = projects[0]35323533for (let i = 1; i < projects.length; i++) {3534if (projects[i].updatedAt < oldest.updatedAt) oldest = projects[i]3535if (projects[i].updatedAt > newest.updatedAt) newest = projects[i]3536}35373538return { oldest, newest }3539}3540```35413542Single pass through the array, no copying, no sorting.35433544**Alternative: Math.min/Math.max for small arrays**35453546```typescript3547const numbers = [5, 2, 8, 1, 9]3548const min = Math.min(...numbers)3549const max = Math.max(...numbers)3550```35513552This works for small arrays, but can be slower or just throw an error for very large arrays due to spread operator limitations. Maximal array length is approximately 124000 in Chrome 143 and 638000 in Safari 18; exact numbers may vary - see [the fiddle](https://jsfiddle.net/qw1jabsx/4/). Use the loop approach for reliability.35533554### 7.13 Use Set/Map for O(1) Lookups35553556**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (O(n) to O(1))**35573558Convert arrays to Set/Map for repeated membership checks.35593560**Incorrect (O(n) per check):**35613562```typescript3563const allowedIds = ['a', 'b', 'c', ...]3564items.filter(item => allowedIds.includes(item.id))3565```35663567**Correct (O(1) per check):**35683569```typescript3570const allowedIds = new Set(['a', 'b', 'c', ...])3571items.filter(item => allowedIds.has(item.id))3572```35733574### 7.14 Use toSorted() Instead of sort() for Immutability35753576**Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH (prevents mutation bugs in React state)**35773578`.sort()` mutates the array in place, which can cause bugs with React state and props. Use `.toSorted()` to create a new sorted array without mutation.35793580**Incorrect: mutates original array**35813582```typescript3583function UserList({ users }: { users: User[] }) {3584// Mutates the users prop array!3585const sorted = useMemo(3586() => users.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)),3587[users]3588)3589return <div>{sorted.map(renderUser)}</div>3590}3591```35923593**Correct: creates new array**35943595```typescript3596function UserList({ users }: { users: User[] }) {3597// Creates new sorted array, original unchanged3598const sorted = useMemo(3599() => users.toSorted((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)),3600[users]3601)3602return <div>{sorted.map(renderUser)}</div>3603}3604```36053606**Why this matters in React:**360736081. Props/state mutations break React's immutability model - React expects props and state to be treated as read-only360936102. Causes stale closure bugs - Mutating arrays inside closures (callbacks, effects) can lead to unexpected behavior36113612**Browser support: fallback for older browsers**36133614```typescript3615// Fallback for older browsers3616const sorted = [...items].sort((a, b) => a.value - b.value)3617```36183619`.toSorted()` is available in all modern browsers (Chrome 110+, Safari 16+, Firefox 115+, Node.js 20+). For older environments, use spread operator:36203621**Other immutable array methods:**36223623- `.toSorted()` - immutable sort36243625- `.toReversed()` - immutable reverse36263627- `.toSpliced()` - immutable splice36283629- `.with()` - immutable element replacement36303631---36323633## 8. Advanced Patterns36343635**Impact: LOW**36363637Advanced patterns for specific cases that require careful implementation.36383639### 8.1 Do Not Put Effect Events in Dependency Arrays36403641**Impact: LOW (avoids unnecessary effect re-runs and lint errors)**36423643Effect Event functions do not have a stable identity. Their identity intentionally changes on every render. Do not include the function returned by `useEffectEvent` in a `useEffect` dependency array. Keep the actual reactive values as dependencies and call the Effect Event from inside the effect body or subscriptions created by that effect.36443645**Incorrect: Effect Event added as a dependency**36463647```tsx3648import { useEffect, useEffectEvent } from 'react'36493650function ChatRoom({ roomId, onConnected }: {3651roomId: string3652onConnected: () => void3653}) {3654const handleConnected = useEffectEvent(onConnected)36553656useEffect(() => {3657const connection = createConnection(roomId)3658connection.on('connected', handleConnected)3659connection.connect()36603661return () => connection.disconnect()3662}, [roomId, handleConnected])3663}3664```36653666Including the Effect Event in dependencies makes the effect re-run every render and triggers the React Hooks lint rule.36673668**Correct: depend on reactive values, not the Effect Event**36693670```tsx3671import { useEffect, useEffectEvent } from 'react'36723673function ChatRoom({ roomId, onConnected }: {3674roomId: string3675onConnected: () => void3676}) {3677const handleConnected = useEffectEvent(onConnected)36783679useEffect(() => {3680const connection = createConnection(roomId)3681connection.on('connected', handleConnected)3682connection.connect()36833684return () => connection.disconnect()3685}, [roomId])3686}3687```36883689Reference: [https://react.dev/reference/react/useEffectEvent#effect-event-in-deps](https://react.dev/reference/react/useEffectEvent#effect-event-in-deps)36903691### 8.2 Initialize App Once, Not Per Mount36923693**Impact: LOW-MEDIUM (avoids duplicate init in development)**36943695Do not put app-wide initialization that must run once per app load inside `useEffect([])` of a component. Components can remount and effects will re-run. Use a module-level guard or top-level init in the entry module instead.36963697**Incorrect: runs twice in dev, re-runs on remount**36983699```tsx3700function Comp() {3701useEffect(() => {3702loadFromStorage()3703checkAuthToken()3704}, [])37053706// ...3707}3708```37093710**Correct: once per app load**37113712```tsx3713let didInit = false37143715function Comp() {3716useEffect(() => {3717if (didInit) return3718didInit = true3719loadFromStorage()3720checkAuthToken()3721}, [])37223723// ...3724}3725```37263727Reference: [https://react.dev/learn/you-might-not-need-an-effect#initializing-the-application](https://react.dev/learn/you-might-not-need-an-effect#initializing-the-application)37283729### 8.3 Store Event Handlers in Refs37303731**Impact: LOW (stable subscriptions)**37323733Store callbacks in refs when used in effects that shouldn't re-subscribe on callback changes.37343735**Incorrect: re-subscribes on every render**37363737```tsx3738function useWindowEvent(event: string, handler: (e) => void) {3739useEffect(() => {3740window.addEventListener(event, handler)3741return () => window.removeEventListener(event, handler)3742}, [event, handler])3743}3744```37453746**Correct: stable subscription**37473748```tsx3749import { useEffectEvent } from 'react'37503751function useWindowEvent(event: string, handler: (e) => void) {3752const onEvent = useEffectEvent(handler)37533754useEffect(() => {3755window.addEventListener(event, onEvent)3756return () => window.removeEventListener(event, onEvent)3757}, [event])3758}3759```37603761**Alternative: use `useEffectEvent` if you're on latest React:**37623763`useEffectEvent` provides a cleaner API for the same pattern: it creates a stable function reference that always calls the latest version of the handler.37643765### 8.4 useEffectEvent for Stable Callback Refs37663767**Impact: LOW (prevents effect re-runs)**37683769Access latest values in callbacks without adding them to dependency arrays. Prevents effect re-runs while avoiding stale closures.37703771**Incorrect: effect re-runs on every callback change**37723773```tsx3774function SearchInput({ onSearch }: { onSearch: (q: string) => void }) {3775const [query, setQuery] = useState('')37763777useEffect(() => {3778const timeout = setTimeout(() => onSearch(query), 300)3779return () => clearTimeout(timeout)3780}, [query, onSearch])3781}3782```37833784**Correct: using React's useEffectEvent**37853786```tsx3787import { useEffectEvent } from 'react';37883789function SearchInput({ onSearch }: { onSearch: (q: string) => void }) {3790const [query, setQuery] = useState('')3791const onSearchEvent = useEffectEvent(onSearch)37923793useEffect(() => {3794const timeout = setTimeout(() => onSearchEvent(query), 300)3795return () => clearTimeout(timeout)3796}, [query])3797}3798```37993800---38013802## References380338041. [https://react.dev](https://react.dev)38052. [https://nextjs.org](https://nextjs.org)38063. [https://swr.vercel.app](https://swr.vercel.app)38074. [https://github.com/shuding/better-all](https://github.com/shuding/better-all)38085. [https://github.com/isaacs/node-lru-cache](https://github.com/isaacs/node-lru-cache)38096. [https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-optimized-package-imports-in-next-js](https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-optimized-package-imports-in-next-js)38107. [https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-made-the-vercel-dashboard-twice-as-fast](https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-made-the-vercel-dashboard-twice-as-fast)3811