Q39: What is requestAnimationFrame() and why is it preferred over setInterval for animations?
requestAnimationFrame(cb) instructs the browser to execute a specified callback before the next repaint frame (typically 60fps/120fps). It synchronizes with hardware display refresh rates and pauses execution in inactive background tabs to conserve power.
Key Takeaways
- Synchronizes animation updates directly with screen repaint frames.
- Pauses automatically in hidden background browser tabs.
Knowledge Check
Why is requestAnimationFrame superior to setInterval(fn, 16) for smooth CSS/Canvas animations?