Performance Optimization Interview Questions
Comprehensive performance optimization interview questions and answers for React JS. Prepare for your next job interview with expert guidance.
Questions Overview
1. What is React.memo() and when should it be used?
Basic2. How does useMemo differ from useCallback?
Moderate3. What is code splitting in React and how is it implemented?
Moderate4. How do you optimize large lists in React?
Advanced5. What are the best practices for reducing bundle size?
Moderate6. How do you prevent unnecessary re-renders in React?
Basic7. What is the role of key prop in performance?
Basic8. How do you optimize images in React applications?
Moderate9. What is the impact of context on performance?
Advanced10. How do you implement lazy loading for images?
Moderate11. What are the performance implications of using inline functions?
Moderate12. How do you optimize React Router performance?
Advanced13. What is tree shaking and how does it improve performance?
Moderate14. How do you optimize form performance in React?
Advanced15. What are the best practices for state management performance?
Advanced16. How do you implement efficient DOM updates?
Moderate17. What is the role of Web Workers in React performance?
Advanced18. How do you optimize API calls in React?
Moderate19. What are the performance considerations for animations?
Advanced20. How do you implement efficient state updates?
Moderate21. What is the importance of proper key usage in lists?
Basic22. How do you optimize third-party library usage?
Moderate23. What are the techniques for CSS optimization in React?
Moderate24. How do you implement performance monitoring?
Advanced25. What is the impact of ErrorBoundary on performance?
Advanced26. How do you optimize server-side rendering performance?
Advanced27. What are the best practices for event handler optimization?
Moderate28. How do you implement efficient data structures in React?
Advanced29. What are the techniques for optimizing React DevTools usage?
Moderate1. What is React.memo() and when should it be used?
BasicReact.memo() is a higher-order component that memoizes component renders based on prop changes. Use it to prevent unnecessary re-renders of functional components when props haven't changed. Best for computationally expensive components.
2. How does useMemo differ from useCallback?
ModerateuseMemo memoizes computed values while useCallback memoizes functions. useMemo is used for expensive calculations, while useCallback is used for preventing recreation of function references that might trigger child re-renders.
3. What is code splitting in React and how is it implemented?
ModerateCode splitting breaks the bundle into smaller chunks loaded on demand. Implement using React.lazy() and Suspense for component-based splitting, or using dynamic import() for route-based splitting.
4. How do you optimize large lists in React?
AdvancedUse virtualization (react-window or react-virtualized) to render only visible items. Implement windowing, pagination, or infinite scroll. Consider key optimization and memoization for list items.
5. What are the best practices for reducing bundle size?
ModerateUse code splitting, tree shaking, dynamic imports, and proper webpack configuration. Remove unused dependencies, implement proper chunking, and analyze bundle with tools like webpack-bundle-analyzer.
6. How do you prevent unnecessary re-renders in React?
BasicUse React.memo for functional components, PureComponent for class components, implement shouldComponentUpdate correctly, and properly structure component hierarchy to minimize prop changes.
7. What is the role of key prop in performance?
BasicKeys help React identify which items have changed, been added, or removed in lists. Proper key usage optimizes reconciliation process and prevents unnecessary DOM operations. Use stable, unique identifiers.
8. How do you optimize images in React applications?
ModerateImplement lazy loading, use proper image formats and sizes, implement responsive images, use image CDNs, and consider modern formats like WebP. Implement proper caching strategies.
9. What is the impact of context on performance?
AdvancedContext updates can cause all consuming components to re-render. Optimize by splitting context, using memoization, and implementing proper value comparison. Consider alternative state management for frequent updates.
10. How do you implement lazy loading for images?
ModerateUse Intersection Observer API, implement progressive loading, use lazy loading libraries, or create custom lazy loading components. Handle loading states and fallbacks appropriately.
11. What are the performance implications of using inline functions?
ModerateInline functions create new function references on every render, potentially causing unnecessary re-renders in child components. Use useCallback or class methods for event handlers in performance-critical scenarios.
12. How do you optimize React Router performance?
AdvancedImplement route-based code splitting, use proper caching strategies, optimize route matching, and implement proper loading states. Consider preloading routes and route-level data fetching.
13. What is tree shaking and how does it improve performance?
ModerateTree shaking eliminates unused code from the final bundle. Configure proper module imports, use ES modules, and ensure proper webpack configuration. Results in smaller bundle sizes and faster load times.
14. How do you optimize form performance in React?
AdvancedUse controlled components judiciously, implement debouncing for frequent updates, optimize validation timing, and consider uncontrolled components for simple forms. Handle large form state efficiently.
15. What are the best practices for state management performance?
AdvancedChoose appropriate state management solution, normalize state structure, implement proper selectors, and avoid unnecessary state updates. Consider using immutable data structures.
16. How do you implement efficient DOM updates?
ModerateMinimize DOM mutations, use proper keys for lists, implement batch updates, and avoid direct DOM manipulation. Consider using React.Fragment to reduce DOM nodes.
17. What is the role of Web Workers in React performance?
AdvancedWeb Workers handle CPU-intensive tasks off the main thread. Implement for heavy computations, data processing, and background tasks. Consider using worker-loader or similar tools.
18. How do you optimize API calls in React?
ModerateImplement proper caching, use debouncing/throttling, implement request cancellation, and optimize data fetching patterns. Consider using libraries like React Query or SWR.
19. What are the performance considerations for animations?
AdvancedUse CSS transforms and opacity, implement requestAnimationFrame, avoid layout thrashing, and consider using Web Animations API. Optimize animation frame rate and smooth transitions.
20. How do you implement efficient state updates?
ModerateUse functional updates for state depending on previous value, batch updates when possible, and implement proper immutability patterns. Consider using immer or similar libraries.
21. What is the importance of proper key usage in lists?
BasicKeys enable efficient list updates by helping React identify changed items. Use stable, unique identifiers as keys, avoid index as keys for dynamic lists, and ensure proper key propagation.
22. How do you optimize third-party library usage?
ModerateAnalyze library size, implement proper tree shaking, consider alternatives, and load libraries on demand. Use bundle analyzer to identify large dependencies.
23. What are the techniques for CSS optimization in React?
ModerateImplement CSS-in-JS optimizations, use CSS modules, remove unused styles, and implement proper code splitting for styles. Consider using modern CSS features and optimizing critical CSS.
24. How do you implement performance monitoring?
AdvancedUse React DevTools Profiler, implement performance metrics collection, monitor key user interactions, and track core web vitals. Consider using performance monitoring tools and analytics.
25. What is the impact of ErrorBoundary on performance?
AdvancedErrorBoundaries prevent entire app crashes but can impact performance if overused. Implement strategically, handle errors appropriately, and consider performance implications of error tracking.
26. How do you optimize server-side rendering performance?
AdvancedImplement proper data fetching strategies, optimize component rendering, implement caching, and handle hydration efficiently. Consider streaming SSR and selective hydration.
27. What are the best practices for event handler optimization?
ModerateUse event delegation, implement proper cleanup, optimize handler reference stability, and consider debouncing/throttling. Handle memory leaks and event listener management.
28. How do you implement efficient data structures in React?
AdvancedChoose appropriate data structures, implement proper normalization, use immutable data patterns, and optimize state shape. Consider performance implications of deep nesting.
29. What are the techniques for optimizing React DevTools usage?
ModerateUse React DevTools effectively for performance profiling, identify unnecessary renders, analyze component updates, and track performance metrics. Implement proper debugging strategies.