@c15t/react V1.0.0 (or Whatever Version Applies)
@c15t/react v1.0.5: Resolving TypeScript Type Incompatibility Issues
In this article, we will delve into the issue of TypeScript type incompatibility in the @c15t/react library, specifically with version 1.0.5. We will explore the problem, its causes, and provide solutions to resolve the issue, ensuring a seamless development experience.
The severity of this issue is classified as Low, indicating a minor inconvenience. The affected version is 1.0.5.
To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:
- Run
npx c15t init
to initialize the @c15t/react library. - Host the @c15t library on a fully managed service, such as consent.io (Recommended).
- Create a consent.io account if necessary.
- Store the backend URL in a
.env
file and set it to YES.
The generated configuration should typecheck successfully out of the box.
However, when attempting to typecheck the generated configuration, TypeScript throws an error:
Type '{ mode: "c15t"; backendURL: string | undefined; }' does not satisfy the expected type 'ConsentManagerOptions'.
Types of property 'backendURL' are incompatible.
Type 'string | undefined' is not assignable to type 'string'.
Type 'undefined' is not assignable to type 'string'.ts(1360)
This error occurs because process.env.X
is inferred as string | undefined
, but ConsentManagerOptions.backendURL
expects a string
.
To resolve this issue, we can employ one of the following solutions:
Option 1: Inline Fallback (Recommended for DX)
backendURL: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL ?? '',
This solution satisfies the type system but may hide misconfigurations (e.g., empty string sent as URL).
Option 2: Add a Runtime Check with a Throw (Safer)
const backendURL = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL;
if (!backendURL) {
throw new Error('Missing NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL in environment');
}
export const c15tConfig: ConsentManagerOptions = {
mode: 'c15t',
backendURL,
} satisfies ConsentManagerOptions;
This solution ensures the app crashes early in development if the environment variable is missing, preventing misconfigurations from being deployed silently.
Option 3: Loosen the Type
Modify ConsentManagerOptions
to allow string | undefined
, but this weakens the contract and pushes responsibility elsewhere.
Option 4 (Recommended): Allow Undefined in Types, Enforce at Runtime in the Provider
This solution involves:
- Allowing
undefined
in types - Enforcing a runtime check in the
ConsentManagerProvider
This approach provides a cleaner initial development experience (no need to juggle ?? ''
or runtime throws in every config file), a type-safe runtime check living in a single, predictable place (the ConsentManagerProvider
), and centralized error handling, making it easier to update logic or provide helpful hints.
In conclusion, the @c15t/react library version 1.0.5 exhibits a TypeScript type incompatibility issue. By understanding the problem and its causes, we can employ one of the proposed solutions to resolve the issue, ensuring a seamless development experience. The recommended solution involves allowing undefined
in types and enforcing a runtime check in the ConsentManagerProvider
, providing a cleaner initial development experience and centralized error handling.
@c15t/react v1.0.5: Q&A on Resolving TypeScript Type Incompatibility Issues
In our previous article, we explored the issue of TypeScript type incompatibility in the @c15t/react library, specifically with version 1.0.5. We provided solutions to resolve the issue, ensuring a seamless development experience. In this article, we will address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the issue and its resolution.
Q: What is the cause of the TypeScript type incompatibility issue in @c15t/react v1.0.5?
A: The issue arises from the fact that process.env.X
is inferred as string | undefined
, but ConsentManagerOptions.backendURL
expects a string
. This incompatibility leads to a TypeScript error.
Q: Which solution is recommended for resolving the issue?
A: Option 4 (Allow undefined in types, enforce at runtime in the provider) is the recommended solution. This approach provides a cleaner initial development experience, a type-safe runtime check living in a single, predictable place (the ConsentManagerProvider
), and centralized error handling.
Q: What are the benefits of using Option 4?
A: The benefits of using Option 4 include:
- Cleaner initial development experience (no need to juggle
?? ''
or runtime throws in every config file) - Type-safe runtime check living in a single, predictable place (the
ConsentManagerProvider
) - Centralized error handling, making it easier to update logic or provide helpful hints
Q: How do I implement Option 4 in my code?
A: To implement Option 4, you need to:
- Allow
undefined
in types - Enforce a runtime check in the
ConsentManagerProvider
Here's an example implementation:
// Allow undefined in types
export const c15tConfig: ConsentManagerOptions = {
mode: 'c15t',
backendURL: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL,
} satisfies ConsentManagerOptions;
// Enforce a runtime check in the ConsentManagerProvider
const backendURL = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL;
if (!backendURL) {
throw new Error('Missing NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL in environment');
}
Q: Can I use Option 1 (Inline fallback) as a temporary solution?
A: Yes, you can use Option 1 (Inline fallback) as a temporary solution. However, keep in mind that this approach may hide misconfigurations (e.g., empty string sent as URL).
Q: What are the implications of using Option 3 (Loosen the type)?
A: Using Option 3 (Loosen the type) weakens the contract and pushes responsibility elsewhere. This approach may lead to more complex error handling and debugging.
Q: How do I update my code to use the recommended solution (Option 4)?
A: To update your code to use the recommended solution (Option 4), follow these steps:
- Allow
undefined
in types - Enforce a runtime check in the
ConsentManagerProvider
Here's an example implementation:
// Allow undefined in types
export const c15tConfig: ConsentManagerOptions = {
mode: 'c15',
backendURL: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL,
} satisfies ConsentManagerOptions;
// Enforce a runtime check in the ConsentManagerProvider
const backendURL = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL;
if (!backendURL) {
throw new Error('Missing NEXT_PUBLIC_C15T_URL in environment');
}
In conclusion, the @c15t/react library version 1.0.5 exhibits a TypeScript type incompatibility issue. By understanding the problem and its causes, we can employ one of the proposed solutions to resolve the issue, ensuring a seamless development experience. The recommended solution involves allowing undefined
in types and enforcing a runtime check in the ConsentManagerProvider
, providing a cleaner initial development experience and centralized error handling.