Conditional Operators in Javascript

Question

Is it ok to use conditional operators like a statement like so?

(x == y) ? alert(\"yo!\") : alert(\"meh!\");

Or is it more correct to use it to

Answer 1

Conditional operators are intentionally succinct and especially useful for assignments:

var a = x ? 1 : 2;

Using them to conditionally run functions, while possible, should, for the sake of readability be done using IF/ELSE statements:

// This is possible but IMO not best practice:
X ? doSomething() : doSomethingElse();

While long-winded, most of the time, this is the better solution:

if (X) {
    doSomething();
} else {
    doSomethingElse();
}

One notable benefit to the IF/ELSE structure is that you can add additional tasks under each condition with minimal hassle.

Your last snippet is also possible but it looks somewhat long-winded and, again, might be better suited to a more conventional logical structure; like an IF/ELSE block.

That said, a conditional operator can still be readable, e.g.

(something && somethingElse > 2) ?
   doSomeLongFunctionName()
   : doSomeOtherLongFunctionName();

In the end, like many things, it's down to personal preference. Always remember that the code you're writing is not just for you; other developers might have to wade through it in the future; try and make it as readable as possible.