How to check if a variable is not null?

Solution 1:

They are not equivalent. The first will execute the block following the if statement if myVar is truthy (i.e. evaluates to true in a conditional), while the second will execute the block if myVar is any value other than null.

The only values that are not truthy in JavaScript are the following (a.k.a. falsy values):

• null
• undefined
• 0
• "" (the empty string)
• false
• NaN

Solution 2:

Here is how you can test if a variable is not NULL:

if (myVar !== null) {...}

the block will be executed if myVar is not null.. it will be executed if myVar is undefined or false or 0 or NaN or anything else..

Solution 3:

Have a read at this post: http://enterprisejquery.com/2010/10/how-good-c-habits-can-encourage-bad-javascript-habits-part-2/

It has some nice tips for JavaScript in general but one thing it does mention is that you should check for null like:

if(myvar) { }

It also mentions what's considered 'falsey' that you might not realise.