React's Rendering Model: JSX & Reconciliation

Explain how JSX is transpiled into 'React.createElement' function calls.

Describe the concept of the Virtual DOM and how React's reconciliation algorithm uses it to perform efficient DOM updates.

Explain the critical role of the 'key' prop in lists for optimizing reconciliation and preserving component state.

Describe the abstract component lifecycle phases (mounting, updating, unmounting) and how React manages them.

Explain the principle of unidirectional data flow and how props are passed down the component tree.