What is the useImperativeHandle hook?

useImperativeHandle customizes the ref value that a parent receives when using React.forwardRef. Instead of exposing the entire DOM node or component instance, you can expose only specific methods or values. Syntax: useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({ focus: () => inputRef.current.focus(), reset: () => setInput("") }), []);. Full example: const FancyInput = React.forwardRef((props, ref) => { const inputRef = useRef(); useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({ focus: () => inputRef.current.focus() })); return <input ref={inputRef} {...props} />; });. The parent calls fancyInputRef.current.focus() — it only has access to focus(), not the raw DOM node. When to use: building reusable input/form components where the parent needs to trigger actions (focus, submit, reset, scroll to error) without exposing internal DOM details. Keep the exposed API minimal — only expose what is necessary. This is an advanced escape hatch; most cases should use props and callbacks instead.