Controlled vs. uncontrolled components in React

React offers two main approaches to handling form data within its components: controlled and uncontrolled components. Controlled components manage form data through the component's state, allowing React to have full control over the form elements and making the component the "single source of truth." This approach enables consistent form validation and control over input values but can increase the complexity of state management as more form elements are added. Uncontrolled components, on the other hand, rely on the DOM to manage form data, referring to input values directly via the DOM's APIs or React refs, which can make them less predictable. Choosing between controlled and uncontrolled components depends on the level of control desired over form data and personal preference, as both approaches have their benefits based on the use case. The tutorial provides practical examples to demonstrate how each method works and emphasizes that there are no rigid rules for choosing one over the other.