The Quest for Accurate Array Verification in JavaScript
As a developer, I recently encountered an intriguing challenge while working on a side project. I needed to validate whether a user’s input was indeed an array, rather than another type of object that could potentially disrupt my algorithm’s complex control flow. This led me to explore the various solutions available in the market, ranging from specialized libraries to enterprise-grade solutions.
A Surprising Lack of Literature
Despite the abundance of options, I was surprised to find a scarcity of literature to guide buyers in making informed decisions. The array verification market seems too new to be covered by prominent review sources like Gartner and Forrester. This prompted me to conduct my own survey of the landscape and document my findings.
Top Three Solutions: A Comparison
After researching and analyzing various metrics, including performance, scalability, maintainability, interoperability, debuggability, readability, and web-scaleability, I identified the top three solutions:
1. isarray
isarray is an excellent npm package that accurately detects whether its given argument is an array. Although its README states that it’s intended for older browsers and deprecated Node.js versions, I found it works well with new browsers and the latest version of Node.
Pros:
- Concise, highly-expressive syntax
- Works well with MongoDB
- Excellent ROI (only 2-month payback period)
Cons:
- No 3rd party plugin ecosystem
- 3 open GitHub issues
2. is-array
is-array takes a different approach to JavaScript array verification, opting for a hyphen instead of an empty string between “is” and “array” in the package title. It offers improved readability while providing the majority of the expected functionality.
Pros:
- It’s cool because it’s less popular
Cons:
- Longer name means larger source code (slower Git pushes, less free hard drive space, etc.)
- Permissive MIT license means a large company could Embrace, Extend, and Extinguish it
3. Array.isArray()
Array.isArray() is a built-in JavaScript method introduced with the ES5 standard. It’s a last resort, suitable only when 3rd party modules are not allowed (enterprise security constraints, use on a desert island, etc.).
Pros:
- At least 95% accurate
Cons:
- Not on npm
- Not supported in Opera 4
- Will throw an error if you try to import it with webpack
In summary, each solution has its strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.