JSX Attributes

ref

Refs are a way of getting access to underlying DOM elements in our JSX. While it is true one could just assign an element to a variable, it is more optimal to leave components in the flow of JSX. Refs are assigned at render time but before the elements are connected to the DOM. They come in 2 flavors.

// variable assigned directly by ref
let myDiv;

// use onMount or createEffect to read after connected to the DOM
onMount(() => console.log(myDiv));

<div ref={myDiv} />

// Or, callback function (called before connected to the DOM)
<div ref={el => console.log(el)} />

Refs can also be used on Components. They still need to be attached on the other side.

function MyComp(props) {
  return <div ref={props.ref} />
}

function App() {
  let myDiv
  onMount(() => console.log(myDiv.clientWidth))
  return <MyComp ref={myDiv} />
}

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