The URL is the single source of truth for your application's state. Managing it effectively allows users to bookmark specific views, share filtered results, and navigate through complex workflows with ease.
1Understanding Location
The useLocation hook provides a snapshot of the current URL. Unlike a standard string, it breaks the URL down into useful pieces: pathname (the path), search (query parameters), and hash (anchor links). It also includes a key property, which is unique for every individual navigation event, helping React identify when a user returns to a previous page.
2URL as State Store
For filters, search terms, or pagination, the URL is often better than internal React state. By using useSearchParams, you can synchronize your UI with the URL. This ensures that if a user refreshes the page or shares a link, the exact same filters and search results are preserved, creating a much more professional and user-friendly experience.
