Exploring the concept of union types and typeguards in TypeScript

I'm struggling with this code snippet:

function test(): any[] | string {
  return [1,2]
}

let obj: any[]  = test();

When I try to run it in vscode, I get the following error message:

[ts] Type 'string | any[]' is not assignable to type 'any[]'.
       Type 'string' is not assignable to type 'any[]'.

I realize I need to add some kind of guard, but I'm having trouble grasping the concept. Can anyone offer some guidance?

Answer №1

When the test() function returns a type broader than the declared any[] variable in TypeScript, the compiler cannot guarantee that the function will always return an array instance. This leads to a complaint from the compiler. To resolve this issue, you can utilize the typeguards mentioned earlier, like so:

function test(): any[] | string
{
    return [1, 2];
}

let val = test();
if (val instanceof Array)
{//no error here
    let obj: any[] = val;
}

Answer №2

By implementing type guards, Typescript has the ability to narrow down a union type effectively. Utilizing a narrowing condition is simple enough, but integrating a type guard function enhances reusability and flexibility:

function isAnyArray(value: any[] | string): value is any[] {
    return value instanceof any[];
}

This allows you to carry out your assignment as usual and then operate within the scope provided by your type guard:

let obj: string | any[] = test();

if (isAnyArray(obj)) {
    //Utilize obj here as if it were an any[]
}

Given that your union is utilized in multiple instances, consider defining a type for it and using it instead of the manual union type:

type StringOrAnyArray = string | any[];
//...
function isAnyArray(value: StringOrAnyArray): value is any[] {
    return value instanceof any[];
}
//...
let obj: StringOrAnyArray = test();

if (isAnyArray(obj)) {
    //Utilize obj here as if it were an any[]
}

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