Web Development
web
frontend
javascript
What is Virtual DOM?
Definition
The Virtual DOM is an in-memory representation of the real DOM. When state changes, the framework creates a new virtual DOM tree, compares it with the previous one (diffing), and applies only the minimal set of changes to the real DOM (reconciliation).
Why It Matters
The Virtual DOM is the core optimization behind React. It allows developers to describe UI declaratively while the framework efficiently handles DOM updates. Understanding virtual DOM helps developers optimize React performance and avoid unnecessary re-renders.