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How do I type React component props in TypeScript?
A component receives props as an object. For a small component, an inline object type can be the clearest option:
function MyButton({ title }: { title: string }) {
return <button>{title}</button>;
}As the prop list grows, give the object a name so it is easier to read, reuse, and document. React’s guide treats both type aliases and interfaces as ordinary ways to describe that object shape; React does not require one over the other. React: Using TypeScript
interface MyButtonProps {
title: string;
disabled: boolean;
}
function MyButton({ title, disabled }: MyButtonProps) {
return <button disabled={disabled}>{title}</button>;
}Use the prop type to represent the component’s actual contract. If a prop can take one of several alternatives, model those alternatives with a union rather than widening the prop to an unrelated type.
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Should I annotate the return type?
Usually, no. TypeScript can infer a function component’s return type from its JSX, so start by typing the props. Add an explicit return annotation when it clarifies a deliberate exported boundary or a particular API requirement; it is not a substitute for defining the props correctly.
Should I use ReactNode or ReactElement for children?
Use React.ReactNode when a component accepts the broad range of values React can render as children. Use React.ReactElement when its contract specifically calls for an element rather than arbitrary renderable content. For example, a layout that displays supplied content generally needs the broader type; an API designed to receive an element for a specific operation may need the narrower one. React’s TypeScript guide describes this distinction, including the fact that strings and numbers can be children but are not React elements. React: Using TypeScript
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import type { ReactNode, ReactElement } from 'react';
function Panel({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
return <section>{children}</section>;
}
function ElementSlot({ child }: { child: ReactElement }) {
return <div>{child}</div>;
}Do not promise that a prop accepts only a particular JSX tag—for example, only <li> elements—because TypeScript cannot enforce that child-tag contract. If the component needs a more controlled API, consider whether named child components or a render prop would express the design more reliably.
Do not assume children are an array
React treats the children data structure as opaque. A component with one child does not necessarily receive an array, so code that needs to count or transform children should use React’s Children methods instead of relying on array operations. React cautions that manipulating children can be fragile and recommends alternatives such as explicit child components or render props when they suit the API. React: Children
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JSX.Element describes the result of a JSX expression, such as <MyButton title="Save" />. It is not the type of the component function itself, and it does not retain the original element’s props, attributes, or child types. The TypeScript JSX Handbook distinguishes that result from JSX.ElementType, which concerns what may be used as a JSX component. In TypeScript 5.1 and later, the JSX library can define that accepted component-return model; the component’s props are still determined from its first argument. TypeScript Handbook: JSX
- Props object: Describes the inputs accepted by a component.
ReactNode: Describes broad renderable content, often used for children.ReactElement: Describes an element value, not all renderable values.JSX.Element: Describes the result of a JSX expression.- JSX component type: Concerns whether a value can be used as a component tag; it is a different question from the props type.
These distinctions matter when designing APIs that accept or return JSX. Avoid treating the names as interchangeable. More specific utility types for component-only values versus values that may also include intrinsic tags can depend on the installed @types/react version; check the definitions used by your project before relying on precise generic behavior.
How should I type events and inline styles?
For event handlers, use the type expected by the relevant element or prop. React’s TypeScript guide recommends checking editor hover information to discover the type inferred for a handler in context. If you need a broader event type not covered by a more specific option, React.SyntheticEvent is the base type identified by the guide. Prefer the specific contextual handler type when it fits instead of widening every handler. React: Using TypeScript
For an inline style prop, React.CSSProperties describes supported style properties and provides type checking and editor completion:
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import type { CSSProperties } from 'react';
const panelStyle: CSSProperties = {
padding: '1rem',
backgroundColor: 'white',
};Should new components be functions or classes?
Use function components as the default for new code. React recommends defining components as functions instead of classes; class components remain supported but are not recommended for new components. React: Component
When maintaining a class component, describe its props with the class’s props type and access them through this.props. Treat that as a maintenance or specialized case rather than the starting point for a new component.
What TypeScript setup does a React project need?
React’s TypeScript guide identifies @types/react and @types/react-dom as the type-definition packages for React web projects. Files containing JSX must use the .tsx extension, and TypeScript needs a valid jsx compiler option. The guide says preserve is sufficient for most applications; library authors should choose a mode suited to their publishing setup. The TypeScript Handbook explains the available JSX compiler modes. React: Using TypeScript · TypeScript Handbook: JSX
The TypeScript lib configuration should include dom for web projects; it is included by default when no lib option is specified. Frameworks and build tools may shape the right configuration, so verify the settings against the project’s own setup rather than treating one compiler configuration as universal.
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