react-use-hooks_skill

Overview

This skill helps developers choose and apply react-use hooks to build concise, maintainable React features. It maps requirements to the most appropriate react-use hook, follows proper invocation patterns, and prefers hook-based solutions over bespoke implementations to reduce boilerplate and improve readability.

How this skill works

Given a UI requirement or component need, the skill checks whether a react-use hook can fulfill it, then recommends the exact hook and the correct invocation pattern (AUTO, EXTERNAL, EXPLICIT_ONLY). It provides implementation guidance, integration notes (TypeScript types, dependency considerations), and alternatives when the hook is not appropriate. The skill favors composable hooks and follows React rules of hooks to avoid anti-patterns.

When to use it

• Implementing sensors (scroll, mouse, geolocation, network) to avoid manual event wiring
• Managing side-effects (debounce, localStorage, title) with battle-tested hooks
• Replacing repetitive lifecycle or state patterns with react-use equivalents
• Adding UI behaviors (click-away, fullscreen, audio/video controls) with minimal code
• When you want consistent, well-tested hooks instead of custom utility code

Best practices

• Always verify a hook's Invocation rule: use EXTERNAL only if the dependency is already installed
• Follow the rules of hooks: call hooks at top-level and avoid conditional invocation
• Prefer small, single-responsibility hooks and compose them rather than creating large custom hooks
• Consult the hook's TypeScript definition for correct generics and return types
• Use useEffect variants (deep/shallow/custom) only when native dependency checks are insufficient

Example use cases

• Auto-updating layout: use useWindowSize or useMeasure to adapt components to container size
• Form UX: debounce input with useDebounce and persist drafts with useLocalStorage
• Media controls: use useAudio or useVideo to manage playback state and controls
• Performance: replace setInterval logic with useInterval or useRaf for animations
• Accessibility/UX: useClickAway to close menus and useLongPress for alternative input on touch devices