How Do You Know If There's a Built-In Method Instead of Writing Logic Yourself?

Consider a scenario where you have an array of numbers, and you need to determine if a specific number exists within that array. A common approach might be to write a loop that iterates over the array, checking each element against the target value.

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
let target = 3;
let found = false;

for (let i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
  if (numbers[i] === target) {
    found = true;
    break;
  }
}

console.log(found); // Outputs: true

While this code is functional, it's somewhat verbose. We could have used a built-in method called includes() that checks if an array contains a specific value. This method abstracts away the need for a loop, providing a more concise and readable solution:

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
let target = 3;

console.log(numbers.includes(target)); // Outputs: true

The includes() method is not only simpler and easier to read, but it's also likely more efficient, as it's optimized by the JavaScript engine.

How to discover if there exists a built-in method for your task?

Here are some strategies that I use to figure out if a Built-in Method exists-

1. Read the documentation

The MDN Web Docs is an excellent resource for learning about JavaScript's built-in methods. It provides comprehensive documentation on the language's features, including methods, operators, statements, and more.

2. Use an IDE with IntelliSense

IDEs like Visual Studio Code offer IntelliSense, a feature that provides smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules.

As you type, IntelliSense suggests methods and properties, helping you discover built-in methods you might not be aware of.

3. Search online

If you're trying to accomplish a specific task, a quick online search can often lead you to a built-in method that fits your needs.

Websites like Stack Overflow are filled with questions and answers from other developers, providing a wealth of information on best practices and efficient solutions.

While it's possible to write custom logic for most tasks, in many cases, built-in methods can make your code cleaner, simpler, and more efficient. So, before you start writing your code, take a moment to check if there's a built-in method that could do the job for you. Your future self (and anyone else reading your code) will thank you.