What are some practical use cases for TypeScript union types?

What are some practical use cases for TypeScript union types?

TypeScript union types allow you to define a variable that can hold multiple types. This is useful in scenarios like handling different data formats or API responses.

Can you give me an example of how to use union types in a function?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

function printId(id: number | string) {
    console.log(`Your ID is: ${id}`);
}

This function can accept either a number or a string as an argument.

What about using union types with interfaces?

Great question! You can use union types with interfaces to create flexible data structures. For example:

interface User {
    id: number;
    name: string;
}

interface Admin {
    id: number;
    role: string;
}

type Person = User | Admin;

This allows a variable to be either a User or an Admin.

Are there any downsides to using union types?

Yes, while union types are powerful, they can make your code more complex and harder to read if overused. It's important to balance flexibility with clarity.