How to fix useImperativeHandle dependencies changed, handle object will be recreated in React

Examine the createHandle function (second argument to useImperativeHandle) and list every reactive value it references. Reactive values include:
- Props passed to the component
- Component state (useState, useReducer)
- Variables declared in the component body
- Functions defined in the component
- Context values (useContext)
- Other hooks that return values

Make a complete list before proceeding to the next step.

Add every reactive value from step 1 to the dependency array. The array must be written inline with a constant number of items.

// Example: Correct dependency array
useImperativeHandle(ref, () => {
  // These values are referenced in createHandle
  console.log(someProp, someState, someVariable);
  
  return {
    focus() {
      inputRef.current.focus();
    },
    getValue() {
      return someState;
    }
  };
}, [someProp, someState, someVariable]); // Include ALL referenced values

If your linter is configured for React hooks, it will warn about missing dependencies.

If your createHandle function does NOT reference any reactive values (props, state, etc.), use an empty dependency array. This tells React the handle never needs recreation.

// Example: No dependencies needed
useImperativeHandle(ref, () => {
  // Only references refs, which are stable
  return {
    focus() {
      inputRef.current.focus();
    },
    scrollIntoView() {
      inputRef.current.scrollIntoView();
    }
  };
}, []); // Empty array = stable handle

Warning: Using [] when dependencies actually exist will cause bugs when those values change.

If you have functions or objects that change on every render, stabilize them with useMemo or useCallback to prevent unnecessary handle recreations.

// BEFORE: Inline function causes recreation
export function MyComponent({ onAction }) {
  useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({
    doSomething() {
      onAction(); // onAction might be recreated each render
    }
  }), [onAction]);
}

// AFTER: Stabilize with useCallback in parent
function Parent() {
  const handleAction = useCallback(() => {
    // stable function
  }, []);
  
  return <MyComponent onAction={handleAction} />;
}

// OR: Use useMemo for objects
export function MyComponent({ config }) {
  const stableConfig = useMemo(() => config, [config]);
  
  useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({
    getConfig() {
      return stableConfig;
    }
  }), [stableConfig]);
}

Before optimizing dependencies, reconsider if you need useImperativeHandle at all. React documentation advises: "Do not overuse refs. You should only use refs for imperative behaviors that you can't express as props."

Alternatives to consider:
1. Use props instead: Pass data and callbacks as props
2. Lift state up: Move state to a common ancestor
3. Use context: Share data through React context
4. Custom events: Dispatch custom events for communication

Example of using props instead:

// Instead of exposing imperative handle:
// <MyInput ref={inputRef} />
// inputRef.current.focus();

// Use props:
<MyInput 
  isFocused={isFocused}
  onFocusChange={setIsFocused}
/>

If you can express the behavior as props, you should not use a ref.

After fixing dependencies, verify that the handle recreates when dependencies change (as intended) and does not recreate unnecessarily.

1. Check console warnings: The warning should disappear or only appear when dependencies legitimately change
2. Test with changing props: Pass different props and ensure handle updates correctly
3. Verify performance: Use React DevTools Profiler to confirm no unnecessary recreations
4. Test edge cases: Empty dependency arrays, missing dependencies, stable/unstable values

Example test approach:

// Component with useImperativeHandle
export function TestComponent({ value }) {
  const ref = useRef(null);
  
  useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({
    getValue() {
      return value;
    }
  }), [value]); // Should recreate when value changes
  
  return <div>Test</div>;
}

// In test:
<TestComponent value={1} />
<TestComponent value={2} /> // Handle should recreate
<TestComponent value={2} /> // Handle should NOT recreate (same value)