JavaScript's secure assignment operator ?=: Simplify error handling in asynchronous operations

JavaScript introduces a new operator ?=, called the safe assignment operator. It is designed to simplify error handling in the code and make the code easier to read and maintain, especially when dealing with try-catch error capture functions.

?= operator work?

When using the ?= operator, it checks whether the function or operation is successful. If successful, the result will be returned; if the failure is returned, the error will not cause the program to crash.

It works as follows:

const [error, result] ?= await fetch("https://dev.to/nddev_18/toan-tu-trong-java-script-1fl-temp-slug-9804469/edit");

• If fetch successfully obtains data, error will be null, and result is the data.
• If fetch fails, error will contain the error details, and result is null.

This example shows its advantages:

• Simplify error handling: No need to call the API with the lengthy try-catch statement.
• Concise code : The code is easier to read and understand.
• Consistent behavior: Provides a method to handle errors consistently in code.

More specific example of error handling of API call:

async function getData() {
  const [fetchError, response] ?= await fetch("https://api.example.com/data");

  if (fetchError) {
    console.error("Fetch error:", fetchError);
    return;
  }

  const [jsonError, jsonData] ?= await response.json();

  if (jsonError) {
    console.error("JSON error:", jsonError);
    return;
  }

  return jsonData;
}

This is how to simplify error handling using the ?= operator, which takes error handling as a subsequent step in code execution, making the code more concise and easy to read.

Summarize:

Safe assignment operator ?= is a powerful tool for JavaScript developers, especially for those who want to write clear, reliable, and easy to maintain code. By simplifying error handling, it helps prevent unexpected errors and makes the code more robust. If you are dealing with Promise, asynchronous functions, or anything that might throw an error, try using the ?= operator!

Thank you for reading, I wish you a fulfilling day!