What purpose does the pipe method serve in RxJS?

It seems like I understand the basic concept, but there are a few unclear aspects.

Here is my typical usage pattern with an Observable:

observable.subscribe(x => {

})

If I need to filter data, I can achieve this by:

import { first, last, map, reduce, find, skipWhile } from 'rxjs/operators';
observable.pipe(
    map(x => {return x}),
    first()
    ).subscribe(x => {

})

Alternatively, I can also do the following:

import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';
import 'rxjs/add/operator/first';

observable.map(x => {return x}).first().subscribe(x => {

})

This has raised some questions for me:

  1. What distinguishes these two approaches?
  2. If there is no distinction, why does the pipe function exist?
  3. Why do these functions require separate imports?

Answer №1

Utilizing the "pipeable" (formerly known as "lettable") operators is now considered the best practice when working with operators in RxJS 5.5 and beyond.

I highly recommend delving into the official documentation on pipeable operators

One of the key advantages is that it allows for easier creation of custom operators and ensures better tree-shaking, avoiding any potential conflicts if multiple parties try to create operators with the same name without affecting a global Observable object.

Prior to using separate import statements for individual operators like 'rxjs/add/operator/first' was a way to optimize app bundle sizes. By only importing necessary operators instead of the entire RxJS library, you can significantly decrease the overall bundle size. However, this method did not differentiate between essential imports and unnecessary ones, leading to bloated codebases. This is where the use of pipeable operators shines, automatically disregarding unused imports.

Answer №2

Understanding the pipe method

Exploring the original Documentation

The pipable operator is a function that takes observables as input and returns another observable, leaving the previous observable unmodified.

pipe(...fns: UnaryFunction<any, any>[]): UnaryFunction<any, any>

Referencing the Original Post

What exactly does pipe mean?

This refers to the ability to use any operators previously applied to an observable as pure functions within rxjs/operators. This simplifies building compositions of operators or re-using them without needing complex programming workarounds like creating custom observables.

const { Observable } = require('rxjs/Rx')
const { filter, map, reduce,  } = require('rxjs/operators')
const { pipe } = require('rxjs/Rx')

const filterOutWithEvens = filter(x => x % 2)
const doubleByValue = x => map(value => value * x);
const sumValue = reduce((acc, next) => acc + next, 0);
const source$ = Observable.range(0, 10)

source$.pipe(
  filterOutWithEvens, 
  doubleByValue(2), 
  sumValue)
  .subscribe(console.log); // 50

Answer №3

What sets them apart? The key distinction lies in the enhancement of source code readability, as demonstrated in your example. While there are only two functions showcased, envision dealing with a multitude of functions – it would result in cumbersome syntax like

function1().function2().function3().function4()

This convoluted structure becomes challenging to comprehend, especially when nested function calls come into play. Furthermore, certain editors such as Visual Studio Code impose restrictions on line length, typically capped at 140 characters. However, organizing the functions in a pipeline fashion can alleviate this issue.

Observable.pipe(
function1(),
function2(),
function3(),
function4()
)

By adopting this approach, clarity and legibility are significantly enhanced.

If no disparity exists, why implement the pipe function? The purpose behind the PIPE() function is to amalgamate all functions that manipulate or return observables. Initially, an observable is passed into the pipe(), which then gets processed by each subsequent function within the pipeline.

The first function takes the observable, performs operations on it, modifies its value, and passes the transformed observable to the next function. This process continues iteratively until all functions contained within the pipe() have utilized the observable, resulting in a final processed observable. It's crucial to note that the original values within the initial observable remain unaltered. Subsequently, executing the observable with the subscribe() function allows for extracting the output value.

Why do these functions necessitate distinct imports? Import requirements vary depending on where the function is situated within the rxjs package hierarchy. Generally, modules are housed in the node_modules folder in Angular projects. import { class } from "module";

To illustrate, consider the following code snippet created in StackBlitz. It was manually generated without any automated tools or copied content. The intention here is to provide firsthand insight rather than regurgitating information from rxjs documentation. If you sought clarification on this platform, it implies a desire for simpler explanations. 

  • The classes pipe, observable, of, map are imported from their respective modules.
  • Within the class body, the Pipe() function is utilized, as shown in the provided code.
  • The Of() function yields an observable that emits sequential numbers upon subscription.

  • The Observable remains unsubscribed at this point.

  • Calling Observable.pipe() prompts the pipe() function to use the designated Observable as input.

  • Subsequent executions involve each function processing the Observable data and passing it along the chain.

  • This sequence continues until all functions have operated on the Observable, delivering the processed result.

  • Ultimately, the pipe() function returns the manipulated Observable to a variable (e.g., obs in the sample code).

It's important to note that an observable will not emit any values until a subscriber has been registered. Hence, employing the subscribe() function is vital to trigger value emission. As soon as the observer subscribes, the of() function begins emitting values, subsequently undergoing transformations via pipe() before presenting the final outcome. For instance, after receiving '1' from of(), one is added via map() and returned accordingly. Extracting this output involves defining an argument within the subscribe() function callback.

To display the output, utilize the following format:

subscribe( function (argument) {
    console.log(argument)
   } 
)
    import { Component, OnInit } from '@angular/core';
    import { pipe } from 'rxjs';
    import { Observable, of } from 'rxjs';
    import { map } from 'rxjs/operators';
    
    @Component({
      selector: 'my-app',
      templateUrl: './app.component.html',
      styleUrls: [ './app.component.css' ]
    })
    export class AppComponent implements OnInit  {
    
      obs = of(1,2,3).pipe(
      map(x => x + 1),
      ); 
    
      constructor() { }
    
      ngOnInit(){  
        this.obs.subscribe(value => console.log(value))
      }
    }

https://stackblitz.com/edit/angular-ivy-plifkg

Answer №4

After reflecting on it, a concise summary would be:

This new approach separates the streaming operations (such as map, filter, reduce...) from the core functions (like subscribing and piping). By using pipeable operators instead of chaining directly onto Observable's prototype, it avoids cluttering the prototype and simplifies tree shaking.

For further details, visit https://github.com/ReactiveX/rxjs/blob/master/doc/pipeable-operators.md#why

Issues with patching operators for dot-chaining include:

If a library imports a patched operator, it will modify the Observable.prototype for all users of that library, leading to unintended dependencies. Removing usage of the library may unknowingly affect others. With pipeables, you must import the specific operators needed in each file.

Operators directly added to the prototype are not easily removed by tools like rollup or webpack. Pipeable operators, however, can be efficiently tree-shaken since they are just functions imported from modules.

In apps, unused imported operators cannot be accurately identified by build tools or lint rules. This means that even if you stop using an operator like scan, it may still get included in your output bundle. Pipeable operators offer more control as a lint rule can detect unused ones.

The ability for functional composition is enhanced. Crafting custom operators becomes simpler and aligns seamlessly with other rxjs operators. You no longer need to extend Observable or override lift thanks to this method.

Answer №5

Let me paint a picture of how I perceive observable:

Imagine you're planning your day based on the weather, so you tune in to a 24/7 weather channel on the radio for updates. Instead of receiving just one response, you are continuously getting real-time information. This ongoing stream of updates is akin to subscribing to an observable. The observable here is the "weather," while your subscription manifests as the "radio signals keeping you informed." As long as your radio is switched on, you'll stay up to date on any changes. It's only when you switch it off that you miss out on new information.

I mentioned earlier that weather is observable, but technically, you're actually listening to the radio, not the weather itself. Therefore, the radio can also be considered an observable. The information relayed by the weather announcer is derived from the meteorologist's report, which, in turn, is based on data collected at the weather station. This data originates from various instruments (such as the barometer, wind wane, and wind gauge) connected to the station, all influenced by the weather conditions.

Throughout this process, there are a minimum of five observables at play, categorized into source and output observables. In our scenario, the weather serves as the "source observable," with the radio acting as the "output observable." Everything between them functions as part of the PIPE FUNCTION.

The Pipe Function essentially processes the source observable to generate an output observable, wherein all operations occur internally within the system. These operations revolve around manipulating the observables themselves.

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