Tips for dodging drawn-out sequences of periods

When working with nested objects using dot notation, it can be tedious to constantly check if each previous object exists.

I'm looking for a solution that avoids lengthy if chains like

if (a && a.b && a.b.c && a.b.c[0] ... ) { v = a.b.c[0]; }

The only alternative I've considered is using try catch blocks.

var v; try { v = a.b.c[0].d.e; } catch (e) {}

Is there a more effective pattern to handle this situation?

Answer №1

I believe you have already found the most elegant solutions.

However, it is important to note that in cases like obj.obj.string.length, your initial solution may not work if string === "". An empty string evaluates to false, triggering the && guard.

When it comes to handling strings, you could consider a method like this:

function getNestedProperty(obj, propChain) {
    var props = propChain.slice(0), prop = props.shift();
    if(typeof obj[prop] !== "undefined") {
        if(props.length) {
            return getNestedProperty(obj[prop], props);
        } else {
            return obj[prop];
        }
    }
}

var v = getNestedProperty(a, ["b", "c", 0, "d", "e"]);

Not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, I must admit :P

Out of all the options presented, using try...catch might just be the simplest approach.

Answer №2

Here's an interesting snippet for you to consider:

const checkNestedProperty = function (obj, prop) {

    const properties = prop.split('.'),
        temporary = obj;

    while (temporary && properties.length) {
        temporary = temporary[properties.shift()];
    }

    return !!temporary;
};

You can then implement it in your code like this:

if (data && checkNestedProperty(data, 'info.details.1')) { result = data.info.details[1]; }

Answer №3

The concept mentioned in your inquiry is commonly known as "optional chaining." Some programming languages like C# have already incorporated this feature, referred to as null-conditional operators, allowing for efficient expression short-circuiting:

var count = customers?[0]?.Orders?.Count();

Regrettably, optional chaining is not yet part of the current JavaScript specifications.

A Stage 1 proposal for optional chaining is under consideration and can be monitored through this link.

If implemented, you could simplify code snippets like...

a?.b[3].c?.(x).d

...instead of the longer alternative:

a == null ? undefined : a.b[3].c == null ? undefined : a.b[3].c(x).d

If you are willing to explore this feature at its early stage, consider using Babel plugin for optional chaining to integrate it into your project.

Answer №4

This solution may not be ideal, but it is effective and doesn't appear too messy:

var i = !a ? null : !a.b ? null : !a.b.c ? null : !a.b.c.d ? a.b.c.d.e;

The usage of ! serves to reverse the test flag in order to have the successful outcome as the final expression within the ?:. This allows for the chaining of conditions in this manner.

It is advisable to verify the operator precedence if implementing this technique seriously (I conducted some basic tests which seem accurate). Also, be prepared for some amusement from others if they come across this unconventional code in your program.

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