I know the correct pattern to pass data from/to a parent/child component in vue.js is to pass props from the parent to the child and emit events from the child to the parent. But is there anything wrong with this:
this.$refs['child-component'].setValue(val)
I'm told that one should use refs to access child components sparingly, and only when there is no other way.
What if I want to update the value of a field in an array in the child component that isn't bound to a prop, something like this:
this.$refs['child-component'].childArray[index] = val;
...where childArray is not a prop of child-component? Do I need to MAKE childArray a prop of child-component? But then it becomes the parent's responsibility to maintain childArray. What if it isn't the business of the parent component to maintain childArray?
Thanks.
Actually, it is not a business of the parent to mess with the child's internal data at all. You should not directly mutate internal data of a child - instead, consider calling a method or emitting an event (which should be handled by the child).
Currently you are creating a tight coupling between the parent and the child - now the parent is overloaded with knowledge about the child internals. Tomorrow, when you decide to change the implementation of the child (for whatever reason) - most probably you will also have to inspect all parents where this child is being used just to check that your changes did not break the assumptions of those parents.