Feature Detection vs Assumed Support
Developers should use feature detection when building web applications that need to work across multiple browsers and devices with varying capabilities, such as in responsive web design or progressive web apps meets developers should learn and use assumed support when building applications that rely heavily on external services, such as microservices architectures, cloud-based integrations, or apis from vendors, to ensure high availability and user experience. Here's our take.
Feature Detection
Developers should use feature detection when building web applications that need to work across multiple browsers and devices with varying capabilities, such as in responsive web design or progressive web apps
Feature Detection
Nice PickDevelopers should use feature detection when building web applications that need to work across multiple browsers and devices with varying capabilities, such as in responsive web design or progressive web apps
Pros
- +It is essential for handling browser inconsistencies, supporting older browsers while leveraging modern features, and avoiding errors from unsupported APIs, particularly in JavaScript-heavy applications like single-page apps or interactive sites
- +Related to: progressive-enhancement, cross-browser-compatibility
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Assumed Support
Developers should learn and use Assumed Support when building applications that rely heavily on external services, such as microservices architectures, cloud-based integrations, or APIs from vendors, to ensure high availability and user experience
Pros
- +It is particularly valuable in distributed systems where network issues or service downtime can cascade, as it encourages robust error handling and contingency plans
- +Related to: fault-tolerance, microservices-architecture
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
These tools serve different purposes. Feature Detection is a concept while Assumed Support is a methodology. We picked Feature Detection based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.
Based on overall popularity. Feature Detection is more widely used, but Assumed Support excels in its own space.
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev