Extending HTML elements in React and TypeScript while preserving props

Extending HTML elements in React and TypeScript while preserving props

React and TypeScript are powerful tools for building modern web applications. However, when it comes to extending HTML elements in React while preserving props, developers often face challenges. In this blog post, we will explore different solutions to this problem.

Solution 1: Using React’s forwardRef and React.HTMLProps

One way to extend HTML elements in React and TypeScript is by using the forwardRef function and React.HTMLProps type. This allows us to create a new component that extends an existing HTML element while preserving its props.

{`
    import React, { forwardRef } from 'react';
    
    type ExtendedButtonProps = React.HTMLProps & {
      // Add any additional props specific to the extended button
      customProp: string;
    };
    
    const ExtendedButton = forwardRef((props, ref) => {
      const { customProp, ...rest } = props;
      return {customProp};
    });
  `}

In the code snippet above, we define a new type ExtendedButtonProps which extends React.HTMLProps for the HTMLButtonElement. We also add an additional prop customProp specific to the extended button. Then, we create the ExtendedButton component using forwardRef and pass the ref and rest props to the underlying button element.

Solution 2: Using TypeScript’s intersection types

Another approach to extending HTML elements in React and TypeScript is by using intersection types. This allows us to combine the props of the existing HTML element with additional props specific to the extended component.

{`
    import React from 'react';
    
    type ExtendedButtonProps = React.ButtonHTMLAttributes & {
      // Add any additional props specific to the extended button
      customProp: string;
    };
    
    const ExtendedButton: React.FC = ({ customProp, ...rest }) => {
      return {customProp};
    };
  `}

In the code snippet above, we define the ExtendedButtonProps type by intersecting the React.ButtonHTMLAttributes type for the HTMLButtonElement with our additional prop customProp. Then, we create the ExtendedButton component using React.FC and spread the rest props on the underlying button element.

Conclusion

Extending HTML elements in React and TypeScript while preserving props can be achieved using different approaches. The first solution utilizes React’s forwardRef and React.HTMLProps, while the second solution leverages TypeScript’s intersection types. Both solutions allow you to create reusable components that extend existing HTML elements with additional props.

Remember to choose the solution that best fits your project requirements and coding style. Happy coding!