How to Safely Render HTML Output from Strapi in React Without Dangerously Set innerHTML

Learn how to safely render HTML output from Strapi content in your React application without using the `dangerouslySetInnerHTML` approach.
---
Disclaimer/Disclosure: Some of the content was synthetically produced using various Generative AI (artificial intelligence) tools; so, there may be inaccuracies or misleading information present in the video. Please consider this before relying on the content to make any decisions or take any actions etc. If you still have any concerns, please feel free to write them in a comment. Thank you.
---
How to Safely Render HTML Output from Strapi in React Without Dangerously Set innerHTML

When working with Strapi as your back-end Content Management System (CMS), you may frequently need to display HTML content fetched from Strapi in your React front-end. A common approach for rendering HTML in React involves using dangerouslySetInnerHTML, but this method can introduce significant security risks, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Risks of dangerouslySetInnerHTML

The dangerouslySetInnerHTML attribute is often used when you need to render raw HTML in a React component. While its use is straightforward, it can be a source of security vulnerabilities. Any untrusted content coming from external sources like a CMS can potentially carry malicious scripts that can be executed within your app.

Alternative Approach Using DOMPurify

To safely handle and sanitize HTML content before rendering it in your React application, you can use libraries such as DOMPurify. This tool helps neutralize potentially dangerous content, making it secure to render.

Installation

Start by installing DOMPurify via npm or yarn:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Usage

Once DOMPurify is installed, you can integrate it into your React components. Here’s a simple example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

When rendering HTML content from Strapi in your React applications, it's crucial to avoid the inherent risks associated with dangerouslySetInnerHTML. Utilizing tools like DOMPurify allows you to render the content safely by removing malicious scripts. This approach ensures a more secure and robust application while still enabling you to use rich HTML content from your CMS.

Stay safe and happy coding!