The block editor operates through a data flow between database storage, post state, and visual editor. Attributes enable WordPress to parse database content into editable state and serialize changes back to storage.
Post state serves as the central data layer, transforming database content into JavaScript-friendly format for editor rendering. When users edit blocks, they modify post state, which triggers re-rendering of affected components.
This architecture separates data from presentation – editing text doesn’t directly modify DOM elements but updates attributes in post state, which then triggers component updates through React’s reactivity system.