What are the best practices for using nullish coalescing in TypeScript?

What are the best practices for using nullish coalescing in TypeScript?

Nullish coalescing is a great feature in TypeScript for handling null or undefined values. Best practices include using it to provide default values, ensuring clarity in your code, and avoiding overuse in complex expressions.

Can you give me an example of how to use it?

Sure! For instance, you can use it like this: const value = userInput ?? 'default value'; This will assign 'default value' if userInput is null or undefined.

Are there any situations where I should avoid using it?

Yes, avoid using nullish coalescing when you want to check for other falsy values like 0 or an empty string. In those cases, consider using the logical OR operator instead.

How does it compare to the logical OR operator?

The logical OR operator (||) returns the right-hand side if the left-hand side is any falsy value, while nullish coalescing (??) only checks for null or undefined. This makes ?? more precise for certain use cases.