What is the difference between props and state in React?
PICTURE THIS: STACK VS QUEUE
Simple meaning
Props are inputs passed from a parent and should be treated as read-only.
WHY — React instead of guessing?
Why interviewers care about React:
contrast on React, not two memorised paragraphs.
the developer, then one case where picking wrong hurts.
Name the idea, why it exists, then one short example.
End with when you use it and one common pitfall.
STEPS — What happens step by step?
Before you speak the answer, walk the interviewer through these steps:
- 1Props are inputs passed
from a parent and should be treated as read-only.
- 2State is data the
component owns and updates with setters such as useState.
- 3Shared data is lifted
to a parent and passed down as props.
- 4Give an example
One tiny concrete case you can say aloud.
- 5Common mistake
What juniors usually get wrong.
- 6Close
When you pick this over the alternative.
EXAMPLE — See it in action
Here's a short line you can speak, broken into clear beats:
Note: Adapt this scaffold to your own project — keep it under 60–90 seconds.
Key takeaway
Props are inputs passed from a parent and should be treated as read-only. State is data the component owns and updates with setters such as useState.