Supercharge React Forms with Uncontrolled Components

Simplifying Form Logic with Mutable References

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

Forms capture some of the most dynamic pieces of application state. In React, uncontrolled components provide a straightforward way to manage form data in local mutable variables instead of state. Ditching boilerplate handlers unlocks cleaner form code.

Let’s see how embracing uncontrolled inputs simplifies workflows and boosts performance.

Controlled Components Recap

First, React recommends form inputs utilize controller components to facilitate state lifting into React state:

function Form() {

  const [name, setName] = useState('Mary');  

  const handleChange = e => {
    setName(e.target.value);
  }

  return (
    <>
      <input 
        value={name}
        onChange={handleChange} 
      />

      <div>
        Hello {name}!  
      </div>
    </>
  );

}

Here the name input stays in sync with React state. This controlled approach allows easy data lifting while ensuring UI consistency.

The Hits of Controlled Forms

However, controlled inputs come with downsides:

• Lots of repetitive change handlers