Object Reference Not Set To Instance Of Object When Using InputField Script

I just started learning how to do basic things in Unity. I am trying to learn how to use a text field box. I have followed several tutorials and copied everything but I always end up running into one of two problems. First I get the error stating that the object reference is not set to an instance of an object. Or second, I am unable to assign a text field object in the script inspector. When setting up my project I did the following:

1. Created a new canvas.

2. Added an InputField object.

3. Added a Button.

4. Created a new script with the following code (this is what I have no but I have tried many variations including using the [SerializeField] or changing the GameObject to InputField):

   using UnityEngine; using System.Collections; using UnityEngine.UI;
   
   public class UserInput : MonoBehaviour {
       public GameObject inputField;
       public string msg;
   
       public void GetInput (){
           msg = inputField.GetComponent<Text>().text;
       }
   }
   

5. Created empty GameObject.

6. Attached the script to the GameObject.

7. Edited the button to call the GetInput method.

8. Added the InputField object to the Input Field component in the GameObject inspector window. I have also tried adding the Text object from the InputField (not sure if I am using the correct terminology for everything)

Note on the right hand side in the inspector I have tried both InputField and Text
Call the GetInput method

The Component you're trying to access on the 'InputField (TMP)' GameObject is actually a TMP_InputField Class, not Text, so just change:

public void GetInput (){
        msg = inputField.GetComponent<Text>().text;
    }

to:

public void GetInput (){
        msg = inputField.GetComponent<TMP_InputField>().text;
    }

Just tested with the same hierarchy and that solves the issue apparently, msg's value becomes equal to the value of .text .

Just in case, if you attempt to do the same from the GameObject 'Placeholder' or 'Text', notice that they use a different Component, 'TextMeshPro - Text (UI)', in such case you'd use:

public void GetInput (){
        msg = inputField.GetComponent<TextMeshProUGUI>().text;
    }

Always pay attention to the attached components, there's a "(?)" symbol next to their names in Unity, that will take you to the corresponding page within Unity3D Docs.