Lecture on React 19 and useActionState Hook

Introduction

• React 19 is imminent.
• Focus on the new hook: useActionState.
• Purpose: Efficient form management with less code in React.
• Request for feedback on creating a complete React 19 tutorial series.

Setting Up React 19 Environment

1. Creating a React 19 Project: Basic Steps

   • Command: npm create vite@latest
   • Project name: Press Dot
   • Package name: react 19
   • Select React and JavaScript.

2. Updating to React 19

   • Default project created will have React 18.
   • Command to install React 19 beta:
     • npm install react@beta react-dom@beta
   • React 19 is in beta; hence, we are using the release candidate.

3. Running and Cleaning Up the Project

   • Install dependencies: npm install
   • Run the application: npm run dev
   • Clean up unnecessary files:
     • Remove assets folder, contents of app.css, index.css and unnecessary code in App.jsx.

Traditional Form Management in React

• Separate states for each input field (e.g., username, password).
• Example setup:
  • States for username, password, loading, error.
  • Controlled inputs with value attributes directly tied to state.
  • handleSubmit function to manage form submission logic, state updates, and API calls.
• Code Example:
  • Form with username and password fields.
  • State management for form fields and submission.
  • API call simulation with dummy data.

Introduction to Form Actions

• Prior solution to manage similar logic was form actions in React.
• Managing form data without separate state management for each input.
• Reducing boilerplate by eliminating e.preventDefault and direct state updates based on form data.

Using useActionState Hook

1. Basic Setup

   • Import useActionState from React.
   • Replaces multiple states and traditional state management functions.
   • Return values: current state, submit action function, pending state.

2. Code Conversion with useActionState

   • Remove old states and handlers.
   • Set up useActionState with callback and initial state.
   • Old handleSubmit refactored to new form data management within the useActionState hook.
   • Directly capture form data and handle errors within the hook callback.

3. Code Demonstration

   • Example converting traditional form to useActionState.
   • Advantages: Simplified state management and reduced code redundancy.

External Resources for Learning React

• Resource Recommendation: Scrimba (Interactive video tutorials).
• Collaboration Announcement: Discounted access to Scrimba Pro.
• Highlight of free courses available on Scrimba.
• Importance of continuous learning in front-end development and AI.

Course Promotion

• Introduction to an in-depth React course covering all essential topics.
• Topics include hooks, Redux, React Router, performance optimizations, JavaScript, and interview preparation.
• Special sale and discount announcement for the course.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to leave feedback on creating a React 19 series.