Polyfills vs Feature Detection

Developers should use polyfills when building web applications that must support older browsers (e meets 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. Here's our take.

Polyfills

Nice Pick

Developers should use polyfills when building web applications that must support older browsers (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: javascript, web-development

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

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

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

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Polyfills is a tool while Feature Detection is a concept. We picked Polyfills based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Polyfills wins

Based on overall popularity. Polyfills is more widely used, but Feature Detection excels in its own space.