React effect decision

Default rule for this project: do not reach for direct useEffect first.

Most effect usage in React code is a sign that the component is syncing state that should be derived during render, routing an event through state, or resetting local state in a way React already models better.

This skill merges:

• React's official decision tree from "You Might Not Need an Effect"
• The project's stricter no direct useEffect preference

Start here

Before writing any effect, ask these in order: