Internet Explorer version 11 and below do not support the toString.call(value) method

Question

Internet Explorer version 11 and below do not support the toString.call(value) method

When I try to execute the following code snippet:

function isRegExp(value) {
  return toString.call(value) === '[object RegExp]';
}

in Internet Explorer versions 11 and below (tested on 11 and 9), I encounter a

TypeError: Invalid calling object

. This piece of code runs without issues in newer browser versions and other browsers.

Initially, I find it puzzling. The function is identical to the one used in AngularJS, which claims compatibility with IE 9+. How come when I use the exact same function, it throws an error (thus causing my calling function to fail), especially since I assume they would have tested it thoroughly already?

Moreover, I am intrigued about what might be triggering this problem. This function can accept any value in JavaScript, but it seems to only break with certain inputs (it doesn't throw errors when provided with a simple array, however, it struggles with arrays containing objects or arrays within objects...).

javascript angularjs internet-explorer

Answer 1

Answer №1

To achieve the same functionality as Angular, you can follow this code snippet:

function checkIfRegExp(value) { 
  return Object.prototype.toString.call(value) === '[object RegExp]'; 
}

Take note of this part of the code that introduces the shortcut toString.

For example:

var toString = Object.prototype.toString;
function checkIfRegExp(value) { 
  return toString.call(value) === '[object RegExp]'; 
}
snippet.log(checkIfRegExp(/bar/)); // true

<!-- The script provides the `snippet` object, visit http://meta.stackexchange.com/a/242144/134069 -->
<script src="http://tjcrowder.github.io/simple-snippets-console/snippet.js"></script>

The reason for utilizing the toString method instead of instanceof is because the behavior of Object.prototype.toString is clearly defined in the specification. This approach remains effective even when the tested RegExp object originates from a different window, unlike the usage of instanceof. To illustrate, refer to this example: http://jsbin.com/sehivi

Answer 2

To achieve the same functionality as Angular, you can follow this code snippet:

function checkIfRegExp(value) { 
  return Object.prototype.toString.call(value) === '[object RegExp]'; 
}

Take note of this part of the code that introduces the shortcut toString.

For example:

var toString = Object.prototype.toString;
function checkIfRegExp(value) { 
  return toString.call(value) === '[object RegExp]'; 
}
snippet.log(checkIfRegExp(/bar/)); // true

<!-- The script provides the `snippet` object, visit http://meta.stackexchange.com/a/242144/134069 -->
<script src="http://tjcrowder.github.io/simple-snippets-console/snippet.js"></script>

The reason for utilizing the toString method instead of instanceof is because the behavior of Object.prototype.toString is clearly defined in the specification. This approach remains effective even when the tested RegExp object originates from a different window, unlike the usage of instanceof. To illustrate, refer to this example: http://jsbin.com/sehivi

Internet Explorer version 11 and below do not support the toString.call(value) method

Answer №1

Similar questions

Struggling with adding auto-suggestions using data retrieved from a RESTful API

How can I refresh the content on my Vue.js website automatically when a webhook is triggered

The NodeJs backend is not being recognized by the React app

Trouble encountered while trying to show information on Tooltip using AngularStrap

Merge JavaScript Functions into a Single Function

After running JavaScript, retrieve the canvas data using the toDataUrl() method

Creating a "Container" component in Vue.js step by step

Choosing a row in a table with ASP.NET by utilizing jQuery on click

What to do when faced with an NPM issue: Resolving the error "Unable to assign properties to null (setting 'parent')"

Using browserify with html2canvas is causing compatibility issues

Issue with Angular UI tooltip not closing correctly inside ng-repeat loop

Having trouble with utilizing react-select and its menuIsOpen attribute?

Are there any virtual keyboard options available for Angular development?

It is no longer recommended to use getPreventDefault(). Instead, defaultPrevented should be used

Vue.js: Select a different div within the Vue object instead of the one that is bound

Trouble with Bootstrap Popover's visibility

Is it possible to set a read-only attribute using getElementByName method

Issues have been observed with the functionality of the Node.js EventEmitter when attempting to

What is the best method to activate a JavaScript function after 1 minute of user inactivity?

Steps for removing routing in Angular 2 after setting the folder as a dependency for another project