How can I use useRef with TypeScript to call a child component method in a functional component?

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#1

How can I use useRef with TypeScript in a functional component to call a method from a child component?

I’m trying to call a method (SayHi) in a child component from the parent using useRef in TypeScript, but I’m encountering an error. The child method will eventually update the state in the child, but I’m getting the following TypeScript error:

“Property ‘SayHi’ does not exist on type ‘ForwardRefExoticComponent<{ name: string; } & RefAttributes<{ SayHi: () => void; }>>’.”

The parent component is using useRef to reference the child, but the error indicates that the method SayHi is not recognized when calling it from the parent. How do I correctly use useRef with TypeScript to access the child component’s method?

#2

Defining the Ref Type Explicitly: Ensure that the type of the useRef in the parent component is properly defined to match the methods exposed by the child. In TypeScript, it’s crucial to annotate the ref correctly so that TypeScript understands what methods or properties are available on the ref. This can be done by specifying the correct type for the useRef and making sure it aligns with the methods the child component provides via useImperativeHandle.

#3

hey @MattD_Burch

Here is your answer to the Question:-

Using forwardRef and useImperativeHandle: The key to resolving this issue is correctly using forwardRef in the child component to expose methods to the parent. By utilizing useImperativeHandle, you can explicitly define what methods or properties are accessible via the ref. In this case, the SayHi method should be properly defined in the child component and exposed to the parent using useRef in TypeScript.

#4

Hello All

To ensure type safety when accessing a child component’s method with TypeScript, it’s essential to set proper type annotations for both the parent and child components. When using useRef, make sure:

  1. The child component includes the correct types for exposed methods, like SayHi.
  2. The parent’s useRef is typed to match the structure of the child’s methods.
  3. Utilize RefAttributes to keep the function signatures compatible.

This approach helps TypeScript properly recognize and enforce the types, resulting in more reliable code.

Best regards,
Dipen