What is the difference between controlled and uncontrolled components?

Short answer: Feature Controlled Uncontrolled Input value managed by React state DOM itself Access value via useState ref Example use case Forms with validation Quick, simple input fields ✅ Controlled: <input value={value} onChange={e => setValue(e.target.value)} /> ✅ Uncontrolled: <input ref={inputRef} />

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.