Exploring Function Type in TypeScript: Utilizing both fat arrow and object literal type

Currently delving into the world of Typescript, I came across two methods for defining function types: using a fat arrow or an object literal.

Here's an example:

let myAdd1: (x: number, y: number) => number =
    function(x: number, y: number): number {return x + y; };

let myAdd2: { (x: number, y: number): number } =
    function(x: number, y: number): number {return x + y; };

What are the advantages of using one over the other?

I appreciate any input. Thank you!

Answer №1

Coding the same logic in different styles:

let myAdd1: (x: number, y: number) => number;
type Func = typeof myAdd1;
// type Func = (x: number, y: number) => number
let myAdd2: { (x: number, y: number): number };
type Callable = typeof myAdd2;
// type Callable = (x: number, y: number) => number

The compiler recognizes both Func and Callable as having a type of

(x: number, y: number) => number
. The preference between them is subjective as they are essentially the same.


If additional properties need to be added, object notation is more convenient:

let func1: ((x: string) => string) & { color: string } =
  Object.assign((z: string) => z.toUpperCase(), { color: "red" });
type FuncWithProp = typeof func1;
// type FuncWithProp = ((x: string) => string) & { color: string; }
let func2: { (x: string): string; color: string } = 
  Object.assign((z: string) => z.toLowerCase(), { color: "green" });
type CallableWithProp = typeof func2;
// type CallableWithProp = { (x: string): string; color: string }

While FuncWithProp and CallableWithProp are not identical anymore, they can still assign values to each other:

type MutuallyExtends<T extends U, U extends V, V = T> = void;
type FuncVsCallableWithprops = MutuallyExtends<FuncWithProp, CallableWithProp>; // okay

You could use either in various scenarios, but FuncWithProp represents an intersection type whereas CallableWithProp is a standalone object type that may perform better in some situations.


Hope this information helps you out! Best of luck!

Link to code

Answer №2

Let's take a look at two examples of function declaration and assignment. The first one is a standard typed function while the second one utilizes function overloads shorthand.

Imagine having some typical function overloads like this:

function myMultiAdd(x: number, y: number): number;
function myMultiAdd(x: number, y: number, z?: number): number {
    return x + y + (z ? z : 0);
}

Both myMultiAdd(1, 2) and myMultiAdd(1, 2, 3) will both work. However, it can become cumbersome to repeat the same function name when dealing with numerous function overloads. This is where TypeScript offers a more concise syntax for function overloads:

let myMultiAdd: {
    (x: number, y: number): number,
    (x: number, y: number, z: number): number
} = function (x: number, y: number, z?: number): number {
    return x + y + (z ? z : 0);
}

If you prefer not to use function overloads, then sticking to the conventional method of typing functions as seen in the first example would be the way to go.

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