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What happens if we use the array index as a key?

Entry React
Quick Answer If items are reordered or inserted, the index shifts รขโ‚ฌโ€ React sees the key change and remounts the component, losing its state. For a list of inputs, inserting a new item at the top shifts every index, causing React to treat existing items as new ones. Use a stable unique ID (like a database ID) instead.

Answer

Using array indexes can cause React to reuse incorrect DOM nodes, leading to bugs like wrong input values or lost component state during reorder.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team Verified Answer

This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.

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