Readonly props in Svelte

Introduction

Readonly props let a component receive data without changing it. This keeps data safe and predictable.

When you want to pass information to a child component that should not be changed there.

When you want to make sure a component only reads data but does not modify it.

When you want to avoid bugs caused by accidental changes to input data.

When you want to clearly show which data flows down and stays constant.

Syntax

Svelte

<script>
  export let name;
</script>

<!-- Use {name} in markup -->

Props are readonly by default in Svelte. You cannot assign a new value to a prop inside the child component.

Trying to change a prop inside the child will cause an error or warning.

Examples

This component receives a title prop and shows it. The prop is readonly.

Svelte

<script>
  export let title;
</script>

<h1>{title}</h1>

You cannot assign a new value to count inside the component because it is readonly.

Svelte

<script>
  export let count;

  // count = 5; // This would cause an error
</script>

<p>Count is {count}</p>

Sample Program

The parent sends a message prop to the child. The child shows it but cannot change it.

Svelte

<!-- Parent.svelte -->
<script>
  import Child from './Child.svelte';
  let message = 'Hello from parent';
</script>

<Child text={message} />

<!-- Child.svelte -->
<script>
  export let text;

  // text = 'Changed'; // This will cause an error
</script>

<p>{text}</p>

Important Notes

Props in Svelte are readonly by design to keep data flow clear and safe.

If you need to change data, do it in the parent and pass updated props down.

Use events to notify the parent if the child wants to request changes.

Summary

Props are readonly in Svelte components by default.

This prevents accidental changes inside child components.

Data flows down from parent to child clearly and safely.

Practice

1. In Svelte, what does it mean when we say props are readonly inside a child component?

easy

A. Props are only readonly if explicitly declared as such.

B. The parent component cannot send new values to the child.

C. The child component cannot change the value of props it receives from the parent.

D. Props can be changed freely inside the child component.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand prop behavior in Svelte

   Props passed from parent to child are fixed values inside the child and cannot be reassigned there.

2. Step 2: Identify what readonly means here

   Readonly means the child cannot modify these props, ensuring data flows down safely.

3. Final Answer:

   The child component cannot change the value of props it receives from the parent. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Props are readonly = child cannot modify [OK]

Hint: Props from parent are fixed inside child, no changes allowed [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking child can modify props directly
• Confusing readonly with immutable everywhere
• Believing parent cannot update props

2. Which of the following is the correct way to declare a prop in a Svelte component?

easy

A. export const count;

B. let export count;

C. prop count;

D. export let count;

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Svelte prop syntax

   Props are declared using export let to allow parent to pass values.

2. Step 2: Check each option

   Only export let count; is valid syntax for a prop declaration.

3. Final Answer:

   export let count; -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Props declared with export let = A [OK]

Hint: Props always start with 'export let' in Svelte [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'let export' instead of 'export let'
• Trying to use 'prop' keyword
• Using 'export const' which is not for props

3. Given this Svelte component code:

  <script>
  export let name = 'Guest';
  name = 'Alice';
  </script>
  <p>Hello {name}!</p>

What will happen when this component runs?

medium

A. It will display 'Hello Alice!' without errors.

B. It will cause a runtime error because props are readonly.

C. It will display 'Hello Guest!' and ignore the assignment.

D. It will display 'Hello undefined!' because of reassignment.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the prop and reassignment

   The prop name is declared with default 'Guest' but reassigned to 'Alice' inside the component.

2. Step 2: Understand readonly prop behavior

   Props are readonly inside the component, so reassigning name causes an error.

3. Final Answer:

   It will cause a runtime error because props are readonly. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Reassigning prop inside component = error [OK]

Hint: Props cannot be reassigned inside component, causes error [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming default prop value can be changed inside
• Thinking reassignment silently fails
• Confusing local variables with props

4. You have this Svelte component:

<script>
  export let count = 0;
  function increment() {
    count += 1;
  }
</script>
<button on:click={increment}>Increment</button>
<p>Count: {count}</p>

What is the problem here?

medium

A. Error because you cannot reassign a readonly prop inside the component.

B. No problem, count will increment on button click.

C. The button click event is not set up correctly.

D. The initial value of count must be passed from parent.

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze prop reassignment in increment()

   The function tries to increase count, which is a prop and readonly inside the component.

2. Step 2: Understand Svelte readonly prop rules

   Reassigning a prop inside the component causes an error because props are readonly.

3. Final Answer:

   Error because you cannot reassign a readonly prop inside the component. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Modifying prop inside component = error [OK]

Hint: Props cannot be changed inside component, use local state instead [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking event handler fixes reassignment issue
• Assuming default prop value means local variable
• Ignoring readonly prop error

5. How can you allow a Svelte child component to update a value originally passed as a readonly prop from its parent?

hard

A. Use a local variable inside the child and dispatch an event to notify the parent of changes.

B. Directly reassign the prop inside the child component to update it.

C. Declare the prop with export const to make it writable.

D. Use bind:this on the prop to make it mutable.

Solution

1. Step 1: Recognize props are readonly in child

   Props cannot be changed inside the child component directly.

2. Step 2: Use event dispatch to update parent

   Child can keep a local copy and send events to parent to update the original value.

3. Final Answer:

   Use a local variable inside the child and dispatch an event to notify the parent of changes. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Update via event dispatch and local state = C [OK]

Hint: Use local state + event dispatch to update parent from child [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to reassign props directly in child
• Misusing export const for writable props
• Confusing bind:this with prop binding