Goodbye if-else, Hello Pattern Matching in JavaScript (PROPOSAL)

This article is a proposal suggesting the use of “pattern matching” in JavaScript as an alternative to traditional “if-else” and “switch-case” structures.

In the ever-evolving realm of software development, adaptability is not just a skill but a necessity. Among the vast sea of languages, JavaScript has time and again proven its resilience, adapting to the ever-changing demands of the industry. As whispers of “pattern matching” grow louder, it’s clear that the traditional bastions of if-else and switch-case might soon be relics of the past. The winds of change are blowing, hinting at a more streamlined and efficient approach to conditional logic. Dive with us into this transformative journey as we explore the exciting prospects of pattern matching in JavaScript's future landscape.

1. Taking a Nostalgic Walk: The Era of if-else and switch-case

Seasoned developers remember starting their JavaScript journey with traditional conditional constructs like if-else and switch-case. Such structures are akin to the ABCs of the language.

Consider a rudimentary representation of handling action types in a backend system:

function handleAction(actionName) {
  if (actionName === 'FETCH_DATA') {
    return fetchData();
  } else if (actionName ===…