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Correct way to test for the existence of an object w/JavaScript

What is the best way to test for the existence of an object w/JavaScript ?

We are using Mirth msg engine to move message, Mirth uses Rhino JavaScript to evaluate scripts and return values.
but we don't know the best way to evaluate the existence of an object.

Thanks

var myObj;

if (myObj) { // code }

if (myObj == 'undefined') { // code }

if (myObj.length() > 0 )  { // code }

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Ryan Chong

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sidwelle

ASKER

So from what I understand, an 'if' statement will evaluate to true if:

1. The object exists in any way ?
2. A numeric expression evaluates to anything other than 0 ?
3. A binary expression evaluates to 'true' ?

Any other conditions that are not listed ?
Thanks

Ryan Chong

the "if" statement will let you code runs based on the condition specified, the condition will be evaluated whether that condition is true or not.

Any other conditions that are not listed ?

i think:

if (myObj) { // code }

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or:

if (typeof myObj !== "undefined") { // code }

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should be enough to evaluate the existence of an object

below is some tests for verification:

<script>
    var myObj;
    try {
        if (myObj) {
            output("if (myObj) { // code } is working fine - result: true");
        } else {
            output("if (myObj) { // code } is working fine - result: false");
        }
    } catch (e) {
        output("error evaluating condition: if (myObj) { // code }");
    }

    try {
        if (typeof myObj !== "undefined") {
            output("if (typeof myObj !== \"undefined\") { // code } is working fine - result: true");
        } else {
            output("if (typeof myObj !== \"undefined\") { // code } is working fine - result: false");
        }
    } catch (e) {
        output("error evaluating condition: if (typeof myObj !== \"undefined\") { // code }");
    }

    try {
        if (myObj == 'undefined') {
            output("if (myObj == 'undefined') { // code } is working fine - result: true");
        } else {
            output("if (myObj == 'undefined') { // code } is working fine - result: false");
        }
    } catch (e) {
        output("error evaluating condition: if (myObj == 'undefined') { // code }");
    }

    try {
        if (myObj.length() > 0) {
            output("if (myObj.length() > 0) { // code } is working fine - result: true");
        } else {
            output("if (myObj.length() > 0) { // code } is working fine - result: false");
        }
    } catch (e) {
        output("error evaluating condition: if (myObj.length() > 0) { // code }");
    }

    function output(v) {
        console.log(v);
    }
</script>

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you should get a result like this:

if (myObj) { // code } is working fine - result: false
if (typeof myObj !== "undefined") { // code } is working fine - result: false
if (myObj == 'undefined') { // code } is working fine - result: false
error evaluating condition: if (myObj.length() > 0) { // code }

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sidwelle

ASKER

Thanks for the help.