Is there a way to prompt TypeScript to generate a runtime error when a non-null assertion fails?

Is there a way to convert non-null assertions in TypeScript into JavaScript that throws an error?

By default, the non-null assertion is ignored (playground):

// Typescript:
function foo(o: {[k: string]: string}) {
    return "x is " + o.x!
}
console.log(foo({y: "ten"}))

// Compiled into this js without warnings:
function foo(o) {
    return "x is " + o.x;
}
console.log(foo({ y: "ten" }));
// output: "x is undefined"

I am looking for a solution or extension that can make it compile into the following:

function foo(o) {
    if (o.x == null) { throw new Error("o.x is not null") }
    // console.assert(o.x != null) would also be acceptable
    return "x is " + o.x;
}

Is there a method to transform non-null exclamation point assertions into JavaScript assertions or errors?

Answer №1

Not quite right.

The concept of non-null assertion is about conveying to the compiler that you have more knowledge than it does. It serves as a tool for managing type information, but if your knowledge falls short, it's up to you to rectify the situation.

It's generally recommended to steer clear of this feature in order to prioritize type safety (unless you are absolutely certain that the value will never be null). In fact, eslint offers some guidance on its potential hazards through the no-non-null-assertion rule


On the bright side, if you mistakenly assert that a value is non-null when it actually is null, your program will likely crash at some point anyway...

Answer №2

If you're looking to create your own custom macro in TypeScript, one approach could be to utilize a library like macro-ts. It's important to note that features such as macros are not supported in TypeScript itself, as the focus of the project is primarily on static type checking during build-time, as pointed out by Alex Wayne.

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