forwardRef in React is a utility that enables a parent component to pass a ref through a child component to access the child’s DOM node or instance, which is especially useful in complex applications where direct DOM access is necessary but not possible through default React behavior. This feature is particularly important when dealing with components wrapped by higher-order components or those that don't expose refs naturally. The tutorial explains how to use forwardRef by creating refs, attaching them to DOM elements, and wrapping components for enhanced functionality, while providing hands-on examples and referencing the official React documentation. Although forwardRef is deprecated for function components starting with React 19, it remains relevant for React 18 and earlier. The article also discusses alternatives like useRef, useImperativeHandle, and other techniques for effective ref management, emphasizing the importance of using refs sparingly to maintain React's declarative model and prevent complexity.