Exploring JSON.stringify
Utilizing JSON.stringify is a reliable approach for handling arrays containing primitive data types that are JSON-compatible, such as boolean, string, number, and null values. The ECMAScript specification clearly defines the "gap" to be produced between different values as an empty string, unless otherwise specified through optional arguments. For more information, refer to the ECMAScript Language Specification section on JSON.stringify.
One thing to note is that JSON does not support the undefined value, so both [null] and [undefined] will stringify to "[null]". However, given that your data consists of only true and false values, this limitation should not pose any issues.
Now onto your inquiries:
Is using this method considered best practice?
This is subjective. Initially, one might argue against it due to type conversion, but in your specific scenario (an array of booleans), there are no major drawbacks worth criticizing.
Are there any potential hidden errors with this approach?
No
Does using this method enhance readability?
Yes
Nevertheless, there exists an alternative solution that offers the same benefits without relying on type conversions:
Consideration: bitset
If your array comprises boolean values, you can consider utilizing a numerical data type where each binary bit corresponds to a boolean in the array form.
This approach is likely to be more efficient compared to stringification, which involves additional time for data type conversions.
Below is an example of the original array structure in action:
let arr = [false, false, true];
if (!arr[0] && arr[1] && !arr[2]) console.log("do A");
if (!arr[0] && !arr[1] && arr[2]) console.log("do B");
if (arr[0] && arr[1] && !arr[2]) console.log("do C");
And here's how the logic translates when using a bitset:
let bitset = 0b001;
if (bitset === 0b010) console.log("do A");
if (bitset === 0b001) console.log("do B");
if (bitset === 0b110) console.log("do C");
In case you require more bits than what a standard number data type can accommodate (53 bits), BigInt can be utilized, as demonstrated below:
let bitset = 0b1010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101n;
// Partial comparison
if ((bitset & 0b100010001n) === 0b100010001n) console.log("do A");
You do not necessarily need to use '0b' literals; these were included to highlight the connection with the array format. Using hexadecimal notation ('0x') or plain decimal numbers can also be viable options, although the latter might be less clear for code readers.