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javascriptternary-operatorconditional-operatorshorthand

Omitting the second expression when using the if-else shorthand

Can I write the if else shorthand without the else? 

var x=1;

x==2 ? dosomething() : doNothingButContinueCode();

I've noticed putting null for the else works (but I have no idea why or if that's a good idea).

Edit: Some of you seem bemused why I'd bother trying this. Rest assured it's purely out of curiosity. I like messing around with JavaScript.

Solution

  • This is also an option:

    x==2 && dosomething();

    dosomething() will only be called if x==2 is evaluated to true. This is called Short-circuiting.

    It is not commonly used in cases like this and you really shouldn't write code like this. I encourage this simpler approach:

    if(x==2) dosomething();

    You should write readable code at all times; if you are worried about file size, just create a minified version of it with help of one of the many JS compressors. (e.g Google's Closure Compiler)