Solving the TypeError: Cannot set property 'innerHTML' of null in React

Overcome the common React issue of "TypeError: Cannot set property 'innerHTML' of null" with our detailed guide. Learn the right way to handle pagination in React using JSX.
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Solving the TypeError: Cannot set property 'innerHTML' of null in React

If you're currently facing the frustrating TypeError: Cannot set property 'innerHTML' of null in your React application, don't worry; you're not alone! This error typically signals that you're trying to manipulate the DOM incorrectly. In this guide, we'll explain the root cause of this issue and provide an efficient solution to help you render dynamic lists, such as pagination, using React in the proper way.

Understanding the Problem

Why is This Happening?

The Solution: Using JSX Instead

To fix the issue, we need to rewrite the implementation to use JSX properly instead of directly manipulating the DOM. Here's how you can achieve that:

Step 1: Create a List Item Component

Instead of relying on innerHTML, create a functional component for your list items. Here's an example:

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

Step 2: Generate the Pagination Items in the Parent Component

You won't be setting the inner HTML directly. Instead, loop through to create an array of Li components, like so:

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

Step 3: Rendering the Pagination Component

Simply render the Pagination component in your main application. This will generate a list of Li components for the pagination, thus avoiding direct DOM manipulation and adhering to React's best practices.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively solve the TypeError: Cannot set property 'innerHTML' of null in React. Always remember to make use of JSX for rendering your UI, allowing React to handle DOM manipulations behind the scenes. This not only prevents errors but also leads to more readable and maintainable code.

Now that you understand how to avoid common pitfalls in React, happy coding! If you have any questions or further issues, feel free to leave a comment below.