8 Effective Ways to Update Objects in TypeScript with Examples

1. Use a Generic Utility Function

Using a generic type allows the function to be more flexible.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

const updateUser = <T extends Partial<User>>(user: T): void => {
  console.log(user);
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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2. Add Default Values

You can provide default values to ensure all properties are initialized.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

const updateUser = (user: Partial<User> = {}): void => {
  console.log(user);
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });
updateUser(); // Handles no argument gracefully

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3. With Type Aliases

Instead of directly using Partial, define a type alias for clarity.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

type UpdateUserInput = Partial<User>;

const updateUser = (user: UpdateUserInput): void => {
  console.log(user);
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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4. With Class and Method

Implementing the updateUser functionality within a class for better encapsulation.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

class UserManager {
  updateUser(user: Partial<User>): void {
    console.log(user);
  }
}

const userManager = new UserManager();
userManager.updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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5. Use Functional Style with Default Parameter

Inline defaults for optional fields can make the function compact.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

const updateUser = ({ name = '', age = 0, address }: Partial<User>): void => {
  console.log({ name, age, address });
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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6. Inline Type Definition Without Interface

If the User interface is simple and used only once, inline types can be used.

const updateUser = (user: { name?: string; age?: number; address?: string }): void => {
  console.log(user);
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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7. Use Record for Dynamic Properties

If User is dynamic, use Record<string, any>.

const updateUser = (user: Record<string, any>): void => {
  console.log(user);
};

updateUser({ name: 'John', age: 25 });

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8. Combine Validation with Type Guard

Enhance the function with runtime validation.

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
  address?: string;
}

const isUser = (user: Partial<User>): user is Partial<User> => {
  return typeof user.name === 'string';
};

const updateUser = (user: Partial<User>): void => {
  if (isUser(user)) {
    console.log(user);
  } else {
    console.error('Invalid user');
  }
};

updateUser({ name: 'John' });

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Each approach has its own use case depending on the requirements for flexibility, validation, and structure.