Angular2 Exception: Can"t bind to "routerLink" since it isn"t a known native property

Angular2 Exception: Can't bind to 'routerLink' since it isn't a known native property

Introduction

So you've encountered an exception in Angular2: Can't bind to 'routerLink' since it isn't a known native property. Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a common issue that arises when trying to use the routerLink directive. In this blog post, we'll dive into the problem, explore possible causes, and provide easy solutions to fix it.

Understanding the Issue

The error message is quite clear: Angular2 doesn't recognize the routerLink property that you're trying to bind to. This usually happens when Angular2 is not aware of the routerLink directive, which is responsible for handling navigation between routes.

Possible Causes

There could be several reasons why this issue occurs. Let's explore some of the common causes:

1. Missing or incorrect import statements: Make sure you have imported the necessary modules and directives related to routing. In our case, we need to import ROUTER_DIRECTIVES in the AppComponent.

2. Incorrect configuration of route directives: Check if you have configured the route directives correctly. Ensure that the route configuration is properly defined in the @RouteConfig decorator.

3. Missing router providers: Don't forget to include the ROUTER_PROVIDERS when bootstrapping your application. This provides the necessary services for routing to work correctly.

4. Version incompatibility: If you're using a different version of Angular2 than the one provided in the code snippet, there might be changes in the API that lead to this issue. Make sure you have the correct version of Angular2 installed and follow the appropriate documentation for that version.

Easy Solutions

Now that we have identified the possible causes, here are some easy solutions to resolve the issue:

Solution 1: Import the necessary modules and directives

In your app.component.ts, add the following import statement at the top of the file:

import { ROUTER_DIRECTIVES } from 'angular2/router';

Then, include ROUTER_DIRECTIVES in the directives array of the @Component decorator:

@Component({
    selector: 'my-app',
    template: `
        <h1>Component Router</h1>
        <a [routerLink]="['RoutingTest']">Routing Test</a>
        <router-outlet></router-outlet>
    `,
    directives: [ROUTER_DIRECTIVES]
})

Solution 2: Include the necessary router providers

In your boot.ts file, import ROUTER_PROVIDERS:

import { ROUTER_PROVIDERS } from 'angular2/router';

Then, include ROUTER_PROVIDERS in the bootstrap function:

bootstrap(AppComponent, [
    ROUTER_PROVIDERS
]);

Solution 3: Check your route configuration

In your app.component.ts, double-check the @RouteConfig decorator and ensure that the route configuration is correctly defined. In our case, it should look like this:

@RouteConfig([
    { path: '/routing-test', name: 'RoutingTest', component: RoutingTestComponent, useAsDefault: true },
])

Solution 4: Check your Angular2 version

If none of the above solutions work, double-check your Angular2 version. Make sure you're using the correct version and follow the documentation specific to that version. Angular2 is constantly evolving, and changes in API could lead to incompatibilities.

Conclusion

The exception Can't bind to 'routerLink' since it isn't a known native property is a common issue in Angular2. By following the solutions mentioned above, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully use the routerLink directive for navigation in your application.

Remember, if you have any questions or face any other issues, don't hesitate to reach out to the Angular2 community for support. Happy coding! 😎🚀

Have you encountered other Angular2 exceptions? Share your experiences in the comments below and let's troubleshoot together! 💡😊