When to use some of the lifecycle methods in React

Technical

componentDidMount

Add event listeners or any setup requires DOM

Can call setState()

componentWillReceiveProps(nextProps)

Act on certain prop changes e.g. redraw a Canvas

Can call setState() and access to this.props

componentDidUpdate

Updating a DOM after a prop or state change e.g. redraw Masonry grid

Can call setState()

componentWilUnmount

Cleaning up e.g. removing event listeners

Can call setState()