What are the benefits of using index signature `{[key: string]: any}` over the `object` type declaration?

As I delve into learning TypeScript, I frequently encounter the use of index signatures in function parameters. For example,

export function template(resources: {[key: string]: any})

Given that the value type is any, what is the utility of this type? Is there a distinction between utilizing any versus passing object as the type?

Answer №1

The `object` type in JavaScript is essentially just a native `Object`. It contains only the functions and keys that are associated with the built-in `Object`.

If you attempt to access a property of an `object` type, it will result in an error being thrown.

let b: object = {foo: 123};
b.foo; // Property 'foo' does not exist on type 'object'.

However, using `{[key: string]: any}` allows you to achieve the same functionality.

let a: {[key: string]: any} = {foo: 123};
a.foo;

The same can be done with `Record` as well.

In fact, the `Record` type is defined as `type Record = { [P in K]: T; }`

Answer №2

There are numerous ways to represent 'objects', with examples like Object, object, {}, { [k: T]: U }, and Record<K, T>. This is because almost everything in JavaScript (and TypeScript) is considered an object.*

Let's dive straight into the answers with some clear examples:

  • Object encompasses any non-null value
  • object includes any non-primitive value
  • {} is essentially the same as Object
  • { [k: string]: any } is similar to Record<string, any>
  • Record<K, T> is a practical type for forming mapped types, commonly used instead of index signatures like Record<string, any> (as mentioned above). It can also specify precise key/value pairs such as
    Record<'foo' | 'bar', 'baz' | 'bang'>
    , which equates to
    { bar: "baz" | "bang"; foo: "baz" | "bang"; }
  • To define an empty object, it is preferable to use Record<string, never>
  • For typing any object, utilize Record<string, unknown> or Record<string, any>
  • If you need to type any value, go for unknown or any

Examples

Take into account the following regarding Object:

class C {}
const a: Object = 0
const b: Object = ""
const c: Object = []
const d: Object = {}
const e: Object = C
const f: Object = null // <-- error!
const g: Object = undefined // <-- error!
const h: Object = { foo: "bar" }
h.bar // Property 'foo' does not exist on type 'Object'.

Consider these points about object:

class C {}
const a: object = 0 // <-- error!
const b: object = "" // <-- error!
const c: object = []
const d: object = {}
const e: object = C
const f: object = undefined // <-- error!
const g: object = null // <-- error!
const h: object = { foo: "bar" }
h.bar // Property 'foo' does not exist on type 'object'.

Helpful References

Learn more about Record<K, T>.

Explore index signatures.

Dive into mapped types

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