Part 3: Stop Syncing Props Into State (you probably don't need that useEffect)

Short summary

Part 3 of a Modern React Patterns series explains why syncing props into state via useEffect creates unnecessary duplication and complexity. React already re-renders on prop changes, so copying props to state introduces two sources of truth that must be manually kept in sync. The article recommends using props directly for display-only components and reserving local state only when user interaction genuinely requires it.

• •Syncing props into state via useEffect creates duplicated sources of truth
• •The pattern appears harmless initially but breaks down with optimistic updates, polling, or WebSocket data
• •For display-only components, use props directly without local state or Effects

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