useDeferredValue

what is usedeferredvalue ?

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  • by Mcs July 3, 2025

useDeferredValue() is a React Hook used to delay updating a value until the browser is less busy, helping improve performance and UI responsiveness — especially in input-heavy or slow-rendering components.

Why Use useDeferredValue()?

Sometimes, when a user types in an input box, React updates everything instantly, even if it's expensive (like filtering a large list).

useDeferredValue() helps by:

  1. Updating the screen immediately for the input
  2. Deferring the heavy calculations/rendering

Syntax

 

const deferredValue = useDeferredValue(value);

  1. It returns a "laggy" version of the original value.
  2. Useful when rendering the latest input would slow down the UI.

Example: Filter List with Lag Handling

import React, { useState, useDeferredValue } from 'react';

function SlowList({ input }) {
 const deferredInput = useDeferredValue(input);

 // Simulate slow rendering
 const list = Array(20000)
   .fill(0)
   .map((_, i) => <div key={i}>{deferredInput}</div>);

 return list;
}

function App() {
 const [input, setInput] = useState('');

 return (
   <>
     <input
       type="text"
       value={input}
       onChange={(e) => setInput(e.target.value)}
       placeholder="Type something..."
     />
     <SlowList input={input} />
   </>
 );
}

The input remains responsive even though the list rendering is slow.

Behind the Scenes

Without useDeferredValue()With useDeferredValue()
Input becomes sluggishInput stays fast
Renders synchronouslyRenders asynchronously
UI may freezeUI feels smooth

Summary

FeatureDescription
useDeferredValue()Defers updating a value for smoother rendering
Useful forLarge lists, slow filters, charts, or auto-complete fields
Keeps input fastWhile deferring the slow rendering of the dependent data

Best Use Cases

  1. Search filters
  2. Auto-suggestions
  3. Heavy table or list rendering
  4. Animations or visual transitions

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