External library (react-tostify) with mixed-case HTML Element Props causing DOM prop name case error in project

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Summary

The migration of a React project to NextJS 16 has introduced an error caused by the react-toastify library. The library uses mixed-case HTML element props, which is not recognized by React. This issue did not exist before the migration, but NextJS 16 has stricter rules for prop names.

Root Cause

The root cause of this issue is the use of mixed-case prop names in the react-toastify library. Specifically, the library uses props like closeToast and toastProps, which are not valid in NextJS 16. The error message indicates that React does not recognize the toastProps prop on a DOM element.

Why This Happens in Real Systems

This issue occurs in real systems due to the following reasons:

  • Inconsistent prop naming conventions: The use of mixed-case prop names can lead to inconsistencies in the codebase.
  • Library updates and changes: Updates to libraries like react-toastify can introduce new issues or break existing functionality.
  • Framework version changes: Changes in framework versions, like the migration to NextJS 16, can introduce new rules and restrictions.

Real-World Impact

The real-world impact of this issue includes:

  • Error messages and warnings: The error message “React does not recognize the toastProps prop on a DOM element” can be confusing and difficult to resolve.
  • Broken functionality: The issue can cause broken functionality in the application, leading to a poor user experience.
  • Development delays: Resolving this issue can cause delays in development and deployment.

Example or Code

// CloseButton.tsx from react-toastify library
export interface CloseButtonProps {
  closeToast: CloseToastFunc;
  type: TypeOptions;
  ariaLabel?: string;
  theme: Theme;
}

How Senior Engineers Fix It

Senior engineers can fix this issue by:

  • Checking library documentation: Reviewing the library documentation to understand the expected prop names and conventions.
  • Updating library versions: Updating the library version to the latest one, which may include fixes for the issue.
  • Wrapping library components: Wrapping the library components with a custom component to handle prop name conversions.
  • Filing issues with the library: Filing issues with the library maintainers to report the problem and request a fix.

Why Juniors Miss It

Juniors may miss this issue due to:

  • Lack of experience with library integrations: Limited experience with integrating third-party libraries and handling their quirks.
  • Insufficient knowledge of framework versions: Limited knowledge of the differences between framework versions and their implications.
  • Overlooking error messages: Overlooking or misunderstanding error messages, which can lead to delayed resolution of the issue.