Function overloading in Javascript - Best practices

Question

What is the best way(s) to fake function overloading in Javascript?

I know it is not possible to overload functions in Javascript as in other languages. If I neede

Answer 1

The best way really depends on the function and the arguments. Each of your options is a good idea in different situations. I generally try these in the following order until one of them works:

1. Using optional arguments like y = y || 'default'. This is convenient if you can do it, but it may not always work practically, e.g. when 0/null/undefined would be a valid argument.

2. Using number of arguments. Similar to the last option but may work when #1 doesn't work.

3. Checking types of arguments. This can work in some cases where the number of arguments is the same. If you can't reliably determine the types, you may need to use different names.

4. Using different names in the first place. You may need to do this if the other options won't work, aren't practical, or for consistency with other related functions.