Answer
requestAnimationFrame syncs animations with browser repaint cycles.
Improves smoothness and reduces CPU usage compared to timers.
Quick Answer
requestAnimationFrame(callback) schedules the callback to run just before the browser repaints — synchronized with the display refresh rate (typically 60fps = every 16ms). Animations updated via rAF are smooth because they're frame-synchronized. setTimeout/setInterval aren't frame-synchronized and can cause janky animations if they fire at the wrong time.
S
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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Source: SugharaIQ