How to Update the Default useId Prefix in React 19.2

In React 19.2, there’s a handy way to change the default prefix for the useId hook. This is great because it helps you set unique IDs for your components. Unique IDs are important for accessibility and organizing your components. Here’s how you can update the prefix step by step.

What is useId?

The useId hook provides a way to create a unique ID when using components in React. This feature is especially useful when you need a stable ID for elements like forms or accessible components. The IDs help screen readers and other assistive technologies recognize elements clearly, improving your app's accessibility.

Why Change the Default Prefix?

By default, the IDs generated by useId have a prefix that may not always match your application's naming conventions. Changing this prefix can help you maintain a cleaner and more understandable structure, making it easier to manage your components.

Step-by-Step Guide to Update the useId Prefix

Let’s break down how to change the default useId prefix in just a few simple steps.

1. Install React 19.2

First, make sure you are using React version 19.2 or higher. You can check your version with the following command:

npm list react

If you need to update React, run:

npm install react@19.2

2. Create a Custom useId Hook

Now, you will create a custom hook that wraps the built-in useId. This hook will allow you to set your own prefix. Here's an example of how to do this:

import { useId as useDefaultId } from 'react';

const useId = (prefix = 'id') => {
  const id = useDefaultId();
  return `${prefix}-${id}`;
};

export default useId;

In this code, we import the original useId and create our own version. The new version allows you to pass a custom prefix. If you do not provide a prefix, it will default to "id".

3. Use the Custom useId in Your Components

To use your custom useId, import it into your component. Here’s how you can do that:

import React from 'react';
import useId from './path/to/useId'; // adjust the path as needed

const MyComponent = () => {
  const uniqueId = useId('my-component');

  return (
    <div>
      <label htmlFor={uniqueId}>Label for my component</label>
      <input id={uniqueId} type="text" />
    </div>
  );
};

export default MyComponent;

In this example, we use the custom useId hook to generate a unique ID for our input field. The label and input now both have a clear and matching ID, making it more accessible.

Testing Your Changes

Once you have set up your custom useId, it’s essential to test that everything works correctly. Open your app in a browser and inspect the elements to ensure that the IDs are formatted as you expect. Check that they do not conflict with other IDs in your application.

Conclusion

Updating the default useId prefix in React 19.2 is straightforward and very helpful for keeping your components organized. It also enhances accessibility, which is a crucial part of web development. With just a few steps, you can easily create unique IDs that fit your app's style and needs. Remember to test your components to ensure everything runs smoothly. Happy coding!