React’s useState hook is widely used for managing component state, but handling intervals with useState can be tricky. Many developers run into issues like stale state, unnecessary re-renders, or memory leaks when working with setInterval inside functional components. Understanding how to properly manage intervals with useState and useEffect is crucial for building smooth, real-time updates in React applications.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common pitfalls of using useState with intervals and how to avoid them. You'll learn best practices for keeping your state fresh, clearing intervals correctly, and ensuring optimal performance in your React components. Whether you're building a live clock, countdown timer, or real-time updates, mastering this concept will level up your React skills.