In Angular applications, developers frequently need to pass data through routes to different components. Traditionally, we would subscribe to ActivatedRoute to retrieve this data, leading to boilerplate code and potential pitfalls with manual subscription management. Angular introduces a game-changer: withComponentInputBinding(), which enables automatic, declarative binding of route data to component inputs. This feature simplifies our code, reduces dependencies, and makes our routing setup far more readable.

In this guide, let’s dive deep into withComponentInputBinding(), understanding how it works and seeing it in action with sample code.

What is withComponentInputBinding()?

withComponentInputBinding() is a new method available in Angular’s router configuration that binds route data directly to component inputs. This removes the need to manually subscribe to ActivatedRoute to fetch route data, and instead, data is mapped to component properties automatically.

Key Benefits of Using withComponentInputBinding():

1. Reduces Boilerplate Code: No more manual subscriptions to ActivatedRoute.
2. Improves Readability and Maintainability: Routes clearly define the data they pass, enhancing code clarity.
3. Cleaner, Safer Components: Avoids the potential pitfalls of manual subscription management and promotes a declarative style.

How to Use withComponentInputBinding()

Step 1: Define the Route with Data
Set up your route with predefined data or parameters in app.config.ts Then, use withComponentInputBinding() to link this data directly to component properties.

Step 2: Bind Route Data to Component Inputs
Define inputs in your component that match the route data keys. Angular will automatically map the data to these inputs.

app.config.ts

import { ApplicationConfig } from '@angular/core';
import { provideRouter, withComponentInputBinding } from '@angular/router';
import { routes } from './app.routes';

export const appConfig: ApplicationConfig = {
  providers: [
    provideRouter(routes, withComponentInputBinding())
  ]
}

ProductComponent

import { Component, input } from '@angular/core';
@Component({
  selector: 'app-product',
  standalone: true,
  imports: [],
  templateUrl: './product.component.html',
  styleUrl: './product.component.scss'
})
export class ProductComponent {
   productId = input<string>('');
}

Product Route

     {
        path: 'product/:productId', component: ProductComponent
     }

Conclusion

withComponentInputBinding() is a fantastic enhancement for developers looking to create cleaner, more maintainable Angular applications. By removing the need for manual subscriptions, this feature streamlines data handling between routes and components, ultimately leading to more readable and reliable code.

Give withComponentInputBinding() a try in your Angular projects to experience the benefits of simpler, smarter route data management.