In terms of function efficiency, what yields better results: using conditional execution or employing conditional exit?

Feedback is welcomed on the efficiency of the following JavaScript/TypeScript solutions:

function whatever(param) {
   if (param === x) {
      doStuff();
   }
}

or

function whatever(param) {
   if (param !== x) { return false; }
   doStuff();
}

The second option reduces blocks and enhances readability, but does it provide any advantages or disadvantages compared to the first one?

Answer №1

When it comes to assembly language, both examples are written as follows:

 // Example 1
 whatever:
   CP x, param
   JP nz, nextStep
   CALL doStuff
nextStep:
   RET

// Example 2:
whatever:
  CP x, param
  JP z, nextStep
  RET
nextStep:
  CALL doStuff
  RET

The first example consists of 4 instructions while the second one has 5. If the JS engine can optimize them to their optimal bytecode (although this scenario is unlikely), the second example might be slightly slower by about 1 tick, which equates to less than a nanosecond difference.

Answer №2

Check out this experiment where I perform the comparison 100000 times.

There is virtually no discernible difference.

Answer №3

Having multiple preconditions in your function doesn't seem to affect efficiency greatly, regardless of the programming language used. It's possible that many compilers will produce identical machine instructions for both scenarios.

Instead of obsessing over efficiency, focus on making your code readable and easy to maintain!

Answer №4

In this scenario, the choice of approach depends on the specific use case. In terms of performance and code readability, there may not be a significant difference.

Personally, I prefer the second approach because it reduces indentations. Indentation serves as a visual cue for me, indicating the beginning of a new block. When I see a new indent, I anticipate a for loop or an if statement.

If the code is part of the main flow or the most common path, I avoid further indentation to maintain clarity.

These are my personal style guidelines that have proven helpful in quickly deciphering code logic.

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