What typescript type do I use with useRef() hook when setting current manually?

The useRef() hook in React allows us to create a mutable value that persists across re-renders of a component. It is commonly used to access DOM elements or store mutable values without triggering a re-render. When using useRef() to set the current value manually, we need to specify the appropriate TypeScript type to ensure type safety. Let’s explore the different types we can use in this scenario.

1. Using ‘any’ type

The simplest approach is to use the ‘any’ type for the useRef() hook. This type allows any value to be assigned to the ref’s current property, but it sacrifices type safety. While it may be convenient, it is generally not recommended as it bypasses TypeScript’s static type checking.

import React, { useRef } from 'react';

const MyComponent = () => {
    const ref = useRef(null);

    // Manually set current value
    ref.current = 'Hello, World!';

    return (
        
            Ref value: {ref.current}
        
    );
};

2. Using a specific type

For better type safety, it is recommended to use a specific type that matches the expected value of the ref’s current property. This ensures that only values of that type can be assigned to the ref. For example, if we want to store a reference to an HTMLInputElement, we can use the ‘HTMLInputElement’ type.

import React, { useRef } from 'react';

const MyComponent = () => {
    const ref = useRef(null);

    // Manually set current value
    ref.current = document.getElementById('myInput');

    return (
        
            
        
    );
};

3. Using a custom type

In some cases, you may need to use a custom type that represents a specific object or value. You can define your own type and use it with the useRef() hook. For example, if you have a custom object type called ‘MyObject’, you can use it as follows:

import React, { useRef } from 'react';

type MyObject = {
    id: number;
    name: string;
};

const MyComponent = () => {
    const ref = useRef(null);

    // Manually set current value
    ref.current = { id: 1, name: 'Example' };

    return (
        
            Ref value: {JSON.stringify(ref.current)}
        
    );
};

By specifying the appropriate TypeScript type when using the useRef() hook, we can ensure type safety and avoid potential runtime errors. Choose the type that best matches the expected value of the ref’s current property to maximize the benefits of TypeScript in your React projects.

What typescript type do I use with useRef() hook when setting current manually?