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How to Check Type in JavaScript

JavaScript is a language that allows us to assign values to the variables at the run time. In
the same way, the ability to determine variable types and value types becomes significant
when programming. However, numerous ways of handling this in JavaScript can guarantee
a variable is of a certain type or has a defined value. In the present article, we will explore
them and provide you with relevant examples and explanations through the research
paper.

Implementation of the typeof Operator:

The type of operand is revealed by the string that typeof operator gives back as its returned
value. Knowing the exact value or variable is the best way for you to learn this.

let x = 5;
let y = "Hello";
let z = true;

console.log(typeof x);
console.log(typeof y);
console.log(typeof z);

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Output:

"number"
"string"
"boolean"

For typeof x equals "number" is that x has a value that is assigned to it as a number.

With y being a string type, typeof y returns "string."

Since z is a boolean variable, the function typeof z will result in "boolean".

Using the instanceof Operator:

Operators class has much more to offer as it not only provides Operator as an operator but
also Operator instance.

The instanceof operator is used to check if an object belongs to a particular class or not. It
categorizes the items in an object is identified as either of a certain class or its subclasses.

let arr = [1, 2, 3];

let obj = { name: "John", age: 30 };

console.log(arr instanceof Array);

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console.log(obj instanceof Object);

Output:

True
true

This is because arr is an instance of the Array class; thus, the instanceof Array evaluates to
true.

Because obj belongs to the Object class, obj instanceof Object gives true as a result.

Using isArray() in Array:

The function Array.isArray() is used to check whether the value passed is an array or not.

let arr = [1, 2, 3];

let obj = { name: "John", age: 30 };

console.log(Array.isArray(arr)); // Output: true

console.log(Array.isArray(obj)); // Output: false

As arr is an array, Array.isArray(arr) returns the value true.

The method Array.isArray(obj) is not applicable here because obj is not an array, so it returns
false.
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Applying .call() to Object.prototype.toString:

This approach will be a more dependable method to recognize the nature of an object.

let num = 5;
let str = "Hello";
let bool = true;
let func = function() {};
let arr = [1, 2, 3];
let obj = { name: "John", age: 30 };

console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(num));
console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(str));
console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(bool));
console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(func));
console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(arr));
console.log(Object.prototype.toString.call(obj));

Output:

[object Number]
[object String]
[object Boolean]
[object Function]
[object Array]
[object Object]

Explaination:

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The function Object.prototype.toString.call(value) will return the object's value. Creating a

working code that does not have any errors but rather is correct is a function of knowing
how to express the types of variables or values in JavaScript.

Developers can now be able to accurately find the type of variables or values in their
JavaScript applications by employing methods like typeof, instanceof, Array.isArray(), and
Object.prototype.toString.call(). It ensures that there will be no risk of mistakes and
incorrect manipulation.

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Employing typeof with Functions and Null

It's important to remember that typeof behaves strangely sometimes when working with
certain types, such as functions and null.

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Example: There is a known contradiction in JavaScript where typeof nullValue returns

"object" rather than "null".

The function type of the variable func is shown by the return value "function" from typeof
func.

Checking for NaN with isNaN()

JavaScript may return NaN (Not a Number) when working with numeric numbers,
especially when performing operations like division by zero or improper mathematical
operations. The isNaN() method can be used to check for NaN.

let result1 = 10 / 0;
let result2 = "Hello" / 5;

console.log(isNaN(result1)); // Output: false

console.log(isNaN(result2)); // Output: true

Explanation: Since result1 is Infinity, which is regarded as a numeric number, isNaN(result1)

returns false.

Since dividing a string by a number is an improper operation, isNaN(result2) returns true

since result2 is NaN.

Knowing the types of JavaScript methods for type checking used by developers makes
them powerful enough to make sure their code runs as expected. Being able to use typeof

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for basic type checking, instanceof for object type checking, and Array.isArray() for arrays
will be useful for developers to build more reliable and reusable JavaScript programs.

Besides, having the detailed and odd features - like typeof null returns "object" or use
isNaN() to manage NaN - gives us the ability to navigate the more skillfully and fluently the
type system. Developers may avoid errors and contribute to better code integrity by
following the suggested techniques and employing them in their coding practices.

Using typeof for undefined Variables:

JavaScript is to say "undefined" when the typeof operator is applied to variables that are not
yet declared or initialized. First of all, this will help in the process of declaring whether a
variable has been defined or set to a value.

let x;
let y;

console.log(typeof x); // Output: "undefined"

console.log(typeof y); // Output: "undefined"

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Reason: As x and y are both declared but not defined, typeof returns "undefined" for both of
them.

Object Property Checking:

In some cases, you may be excused from asking whether an item has a specific quality. You
can do this with the help of the hasOwnProperty() function or the in operator.

For instance:

Let person = { name: "Alice," age: 30 };

console.log("name" in person); // Output: true

console.log("gender" in person); // Output: false

console.log(person.hasOwnProperty("name")); // Output: true

console.log(person.hasOwnProperty("gender")); // Output: false

Justification: A person's "name" will be assigned to a person object if the "name" attribute
is available.

"gender" in the "person" is the object that helps to identify the "gender" property.

The statement "person.hasOwnProperty("name")" checks if the object "person" has its

property as well.
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Whether the person object's "gender" property is set or not is tested by checking the
presence of a person.hasOwnProperty("gender").

Subdividing Function and Object with typeof:

However, typeof does not distinguish standard objects and functions; it does return a value
"function" for functions. You may also use typeof to underline whether a value is a function
and then perform a series of tests to differentiate it from other kinds of objects.

function greet() {

console.log("Hello!");
}

Let person = { name: "Bob," age: 25 };

console.log(typeof greet === "function");

console.log(typeof person === "function");

Output:

True
false

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This is because since welcome is a function, typeof greet === "function" yields true.

A person is not a function, so typeof person === "function" yields false.

Conclusion
Writing dependable code in JavaScript requires an understanding of type-checking. To
reliably establish types, JavaScript has several techniques, including typeof, instanceof, and
object property checks. These may be used with primitive types, objects, or functions. By
utilizing these strategies efficiently, developers may build cleaner, more maintainable code
that handles various data types correctly. This improves developer productivity and
software quality.

Next Topic How to Learn JavaScript for Free

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