react18-string-refs
Provides exact migration patterns for React string refs (ref="name" + this.refs.name) to React.createRef() in class components. Use this skill whenever migrating string ref usage - including single element refs, multiple refs in a component, refs in lists, callback refs, and refs passed to child components. Always use this skill before writing any ref migration code - the multiple-refs-in-list pattern is particularly tricky and this skill prevents the most common mistakes. Use it for React 18.3.1 migration (string refs warn) and React 19 migration (string refs removed).
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill react18-string-refs- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads react18-string-refs automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
React 18 String Refs Migration
String refs (ref="myInput" + this.refs.myInput) were deprecated in React 16.3, warn in React 18.3.1, and are removed in React 19.
Quick Pattern Map
| Pattern | Reference |
|---|---|
| Single ref on a DOM element | → patterns.md#single-ref |
| Multiple refs in one component | → patterns.md#multiple-refs |
| Refs in a list / dynamic refs | → patterns.md#list-refs |
| Callback refs (alternative approach) | → patterns.md#callback-refs |
| Ref passed to a child component | → patterns.md#forwarded-refs |
Scan Command
# Find all string ref assignments in JSX
grep -rn 'ref="' src/ --include="*.js" --include="*.jsx" | grep -v "\.test\."
# Find all this.refs accessors
grep -rn "this\.refs\." src/ --include="*.js" --include="*.jsx" | grep -v "\.test\."
Both should be migrated together - find the ref="name" and the this.refs.name accesses for each component as a pair.
The Migration Rule
Every string ref migrates to React.createRef():
- Add
refName = React.createRef();as a class field (or in constructor) - Replace
ref="refName"→ref={this.refName}in JSX - Replace
this.refs.refName→this.refName.currenteverywhere
Read references/patterns.md for the full before/after for each case.
FAQ
What does the react18-string-refs skill do?
Provides exact migration patterns for React string refs (ref="name" + this.refs.name) to React.createRef() in class components. Use this skill whenever migrating string ref usage - including single element refs, multiple refs in a component, refs in lists, callback refs, and refs passed to child components. Always use this skill before writing any ref migration code - the multiple-refs-in-list pattern is particularly tricky and this skill prevents the most common mistakes. Use it for React 18.3.1 migration (string refs warn) and React 19 migration (string refs removed).
How do I install react18-string-refs?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill react18-string-refs in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/react18-string-refs/ (personal) or .claude/skills/react18-string-refs/ (project).
Which AI agents can use react18-string-refs?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is react18-string-refs safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains react18-string-refs?
It is published by github in github/awesome-copilot, and it is an official skill from the maker of the technology it covers. It has 741 recorded installs.
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