Lodash _.inRange() Number Method

Posted in lodash Tutorial

Updated on Oct 30, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 40 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

When it comes to working with numeric values in JavaScript, precision and accuracy are key. The Lodash library, a powerhouse of utility functions, introduces the _.inRange() method, designed to simplify the task of checking if a number is within a specified range.

Whether you're validating user inputs or implementing conditional logic, this method proves to be an invaluable tool for developers dealing with numeric ranges.

🧠 Understanding _.inRange() Method

The _.inRange() method in Lodash allows you to determine if a given number falls within a specified range. This is particularly useful for scenarios where you need to validate input values or execute different code paths based on numeric conditions.

💡 Syntax

The syntax for the _.inRange() method is straightforward:

syntax.js

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_.inRange(number, [start=0], end)

number: The number to check.
start (Optional): The start of the range.
end: The end of the range.

📝 Example

Let's dive into a simple example to illustrate the usage of the _.inRange() method:

example.js

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const _ = require('lodash');

const checkNumber = 5;
const isInRange = _.inRange(checkNumber, 1, 10);

console.log(isInRange);
// Output: true

In this example, the checkNumber is evaluated using _.inRange() to determine if it falls within the range of 1 (inclusive) to 10 (exclusive).

🏆 Best Practices

When working with the _.inRange() method, consider the following best practices:

Specify Range Boundaries:

Always explicitly specify both the start and end boundaries of the range to avoid unexpected results. The _.inRange() method checks if the provided number is within the half-open interval [start, end).
example.js
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```
const inputNumber = 15;
const startRange = 10;
const endRange = 20;

const isWithinRange = _.inRange(inputNumber, startRange, endRange);

console.log(isWithinRange);
// Output: false
```
Handle Single-Argument Usage:

Be aware that if only one argument is provided, it is considered as the end value, and the start value defaults to 0. It's good practice to use the two-argument syntax for clarity.
example.js
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```
const singleArgumentCheck = _.inRange(5);

console.log(singleArgumentCheck);
// Output: true
```

Use in Conditional Statements:

Leverage _.inRange() in conditional statements for concise and readable code when checking numeric conditions.

example.js

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const userInput = /* ...get user input... */;

if (_.inRange(userInput, 1, 100)) {
    console.log('Input is within the valid range.');
} else {
    console.log('Input is outside the valid range.');
}

📚 Use Cases

User Input Validation:

Validate user input to ensure it falls within an acceptable numeric range. This is particularly useful in scenarios like form submissions.

example.js

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const userInput = /* ...get user input... */ ;
const isValidInput = _.inRange(userInput, 0, 100);

if (isValidInput) {
  // Proceed with further processing
  console.log('Input is valid.');
} else {
  console.log('Invalid input. Please enter a number between 0 and 100.');
}

Conditional Rendering:

Determine whether a numeric value is within a specific range to conditionally render elements in a user interface.

example.js

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const numericValue = /* ...get numeric value... */;

if (_.inRange(numericValue, 10, 20)) {
    // Render special content for the specified range
    console.log('Rendering special content.');
} else {
    console.log('No special content to render.');
}

Game Development:

In game development, use _.inRange() to check if a player's score or position is within certain thresholds to trigger specific in-game events.

example.js

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const playerScore = /* ...get player score... */;

if (_.inRange(playerScore, 1000, 2000)) {
    console.log('Player achieved a high score!');
} else {
    console.log('Player score is below the threshold.');
}

🎉 Conclusion

The _.inRange() method in Lodash simplifies numeric range validation, providing a straightforward solution for checking if a number falls within a specified interval. Whether you're validating user inputs, implementing conditional logic, or working on game development, this method proves to be a versatile and efficient tool for numeric comparisons in JavaScript.

By adhering to best practices and exploring diverse use cases, you can harness the full potential of the _.inRange() method in your Lodash projects.