How is state managed in React function components?

In React function components, state is managed primarily using the 'useState' hook. This hook allows developers to add state to functional components, which are typically stateless by default. By calling 'useState', you can create a piece of state that persists across renders, while also providing a function to update that state.

When using the 'useState' hook, it takes an initial state value as an argument and returns an array containing the current state and a function to update that state. This approach integrates seamlessly with the component lifecycle and allows you to manage local component state effectively without needing to convert the function component into a class component.

While libraries like Redux can also be used to manage the global application state, 'useState' specifically addresses state management at the component level. The built-in state objects are characteristic of class components, not function components. Additionally, relying solely on props does not allow for local state management; props are primarily for passing data from parent to child components. Thus, using the 'useState' hook is the most appropriate choice for managing state within functional components in React.