← Glossary
What does "state" mean in programming?
state is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
Data managed inside a component that can change over time. When state changes, React re-renders the component. State is private to the component unless it is lifted up or shared through context.
Example
"Use state to track whether the dropdown menu is open or closed."
Related terms
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