How to Fix React useEffect Infinite Loops

How to Fix React useEffect Infinite Loops Infinite loops in useEffect are one of the most frustrating bugs in React. Your component renders, triggers an effect, which updates state, which triggers another render, which runs the effect again... and boom — your browser freezes. Here's how to identify and fix them. The Core Problem An infinite loop happens when your effect runs after every render AND updates state. Each state update triggers a re-render, which runs the effect again. Forever. function Counter() { const [count, setCount] = useState(0); useEffect(() => { setCount(count + 1); // 💥 Infinite loop! }, []); // Empty deps - still loops because setCount runs after mount return <div>{count}</div>; } How to Fix It 1. Get Your Dependency Array Right The dependency array controls when your effect re-runs. Get it wrong, and you're in trouble. // ❌ No dependency array = runs after EVERY render useEffect(() => { doSomething(); }); // ✅ Empty array = runs only once on mo