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Vuejs update parent data from child component

javascript
event-handling
vuex-state-management
vuejs-best-practices
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Mar 10, 2025
TLDR

To update the state of the parent component from the child component in Vue.js, $emit an event with it's accompanying payload and handle this event within the parent.

The Child emits the event:

// Knock knock! Who’s there? An update for parent data! And what a lovely update you are🤖 this.$emit('updateParent', newValue);

The Parent listens to this emitted event and updates its data:

<!-- My child thinks it can tell me what to do, well it's actually right! --> <child @updateParent="parentData = $event"></child>

In a nutshell, this interplay between parent and child allows the parent's parentData to be updated to reflect the newValue initiated by the child.

Traversing the Vue path: Flow of data

Vue.js implements a unidirectional data flow that denotes a predictable arrangement where the state mutable data belongs to one component and is passed down to child components through props. The child components send data back to the parent using bespoke events.

Harnessing $emit for event handling

For the child component to update data within the parent, it must “inform” the parent about updates by emitting an event via this.$emit('event_name', payload).

Vue’s $emit and input event rendezvous

Whenever interaction with custom input components leaves you yearning for v-model two-way data binding, ensure that your prop in the child component is named as 'value' and emit an input event to reap the benefits of the v-model.

The might of the .sync modifier

In circumstances where you covet a two-way binding sort of syntax, leverage the .sync modifier. This simplifies things, providing an automatic update to a prop based on the update:myPropName event emitted by the child component.

Warnings around prop mutations

Remember, direct prop mutation within a child component is a no-go. It leaves unpleasant console warnings and potential bugs. Instead, $emit to notify the parent component of any updates.

Mastering advanced patterns and avoiding issues

Specificity in event naming

To circumvent unnecessary brouhaha, use specific event names that encapsulate their purpose, such as ‘updateUserData’.

Centralised state management with Vuex

When navigating complex applications with array of components and profound nesting, favour the centralized state management offered by Vuex. This simplifies overall management of state across all the application components.

The potency of reactivity and computed properties

The Vue.js reactivity system is a thing of beauty. When used in conjunction with watchers or computed properties in the parent, exceptional patterns emerge, updating states automatically when anticipated triggers occur.

Method handling best practices

Each method within the Vue components should be responsible for a single action. For example, when managing events, a method should perform explicit state updates or invoke other actions, but not as a precursor to prop mutations or emitting another event.

Event propagation

In cases where you need to halt propagation of events or manage them in a specific sequence, Vue offers modifiers like .stop and .once that can be tacked onto event handling directives, offering more granular control.

Upgrades debugging

When state upgrades fail to behave as expected, Vue's DevTools become an indispensable resource to trace and debug event emissions and state changes across your cascade of components.