you-might-not-need-a-callback

Detect React useCallback anti-patterns and apply deterministic fixes.

1|1|Updated May 13, 2026

Search Tags:#code review #performance #refactoring #react #memoization #stale closures #usecallback

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npx skills add https://github.com/bibektimilsina00/fuse_monorepo --skill you-might-not-need-a-callback-bibektimilsina00

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Skill: you-might-not-need-a-callback
Source: https://github.com/bibektimilsina00/fuse_monorepo/tree/main/.agents/skills/you-might-not-need-a-callback
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bibektimilsina00/fuse_monorepo --skill you-might-not-need-a-callback-bibektimilsina00

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It reduces unnecessary React performance overhead by identifying incorrect or pointless useCallback usage that adds complexity without improving referential stability.

Core Features & Use Cases

Anti-pattern detection: Flags useCallback cases like unstable dependencies, incorrect memoization targets, empty deps causing stale closures, and event handlers on native elements.
Scoped analysis with optional fixes: Analyzes a user-specified scope (defaulting to current changes) and can apply safe refactors when fix is enabled.
Reference-aligned guidance: Uses the official React useCallback guidance to distinguish when memoization is genuinely needed (e.g., React.memo props) versus wasted.

Quick Start

Run the skill on your code changes to detect and fix incorrect useCallback patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions about you-might-not-need-a-callback

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

When do I actually need useCallback for React performance?▼

You need useCallback when passing callbacks to memoized child components to preserve referential stability, or when hook dependencies require stable function references; otherwise, wrapping functions adds wasted overhead without performance gains.

How do I find and fix bad useCallback patterns in my React codebase?▼

Analyze a scoped target like current changes or a full repository to detect useCallback anti-patterns such as unstable dependencies or empty deps causing stale closures, then apply deterministic refactoring fixes based on React's official guidance.

Why does my useCallback hook create a stale closure?▼

Stale closures in useCallback happen when empty dependency arrays prevent the hook from capturing updated state or props, freezing the callback to initial values; fixing the dependency array restores correct memoization behavior.

Can I run useCallback anti-pattern detection on a specific folder or pull request?▼

Yes, you can run scoped analysis on current changes, a specific folder, a pull request, or the whole repository to identify incorrect memoization targets and event handlers on native elements within that selected scope.

Is it bad to wrap event handlers on native DOM elements with useCallback?▼

Wrapping event handlers on native DOM elements with useCallback is an anti-pattern that creates wasted memoization because native elements do not use referential equality checks, adding complexity without performance benefits.