Understanding React fragments

React fragments, introduced in React v16.2.0, provide a streamlined way to include multiple elements in a React component without adding extra DOM nodes, thus avoiding the clutter and layout issues that can arise from using unnecessary div wrappers. This capability is particularly useful in complex layouts using CSS Flexbox or Grid, as it helps maintain clean and efficient DOM structures that do not interfere with styling or break layout designs. React fragments can be created using various methods, such as the standard React.Fragment, its shorthand notation <>, or by importing Fragment directly from React, with the flexibility to use key props for list rendering, which is crucial for performance optimization. While fragments are not a replacement for divs when styling is needed, they offer a cleaner approach in scenarios where additional HTML elements do not serve a functional purpose, thus enhancing code readability and maintainability.