How to use type guards in TypeScript
Blog post from LogRocket
The article, updated in January 2024, explores the use of TypeScript type guards, which are techniques for determining variable types to improve code reliability and accuracy. It discusses various built-in type guards such as `instanceof`, `typeof`, and the `in` operator, which help narrow down types based on object properties and structure. The text also features the `is` operator for custom type guards, allowing developers to define precise conditions for type checks in complex scenarios. Through examples, it illustrates how type guards can validate types like `Accessory`, `Car`, and more, showcasing how they enhance code clarity and functionality. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of custom type guards, which enable developers to verify complex conditions beyond built-in capabilities, thereby improving code readability and robustness. Examples of such custom type guards include checking if an object is a `Baby` or a `Car`, ensuring that operations on these objects are type-safe. The article encourages the use of type guards for better type assurance in TypeScript, offering practical scenarios and examples to demonstrate their application in real-world coding contexts.