Creating multiline strings in JavaScript
Creating multiline strings in JavaScript is a sweet walk in the park with template literals (`
):
Alternatively, slip in some newline characters (\n
) within single or double quotes:
In the glamorous world of ES6, template literals are the top models, but the newline characters never go out of style!
Multiline prophecies in ES6 and beyond
Utilizing ES6 template literals
Template literals, enclosed within backticks, give you the luxury of inserting even variables and expressions, just like that:
Adding the magic touch with Babel
Sure, not every JavaScript engine out there sips ES6 like a smooth cup of joe. Give them the best of ES6 features without making them feel antique. Transpile your code with Babel and your multiline strings will feel at home in any JavaScript engine.
Taking notes for the minifier
Your friendly neighborhood minifier might not be so friendly with your multiline constructs. Fear not! Using /*!
in your comments tells the YUI compressor to keep its hands off your precious comments.
Crafting multiline strings for legacy code
Using array join
For a nostalgic take on multiline strings, consider array of lines joined with a '\n':
Concatenating strings
Dealing with older pre-ES6 code? Just concatenate your strings over new lines with \n
:
Nifty tricks with multiline strings
Application of String.raw
Want to create template strings that turn a blind eye to escape sequences? Count on String.raw
, the superhero of ES6:
Leveraging IIFE with toString()
Here's a string trick right out of Dumbledore's book. Use an IIFE with toString()
to access multiline comments as strings. But be quick! Minifiers and style guides might be lurking around.
Formatting multiline strings
Controlling string indentation
Frustrated with excess indentation in multiline strings? Design a function like .removeIndentation()
that snips the extra whitespace.
HTML and template literals
Throw in HTML into your JavaScript strings with the power of template literals. Or even better, use a templating library. Add that layer of security to your code sandwich.
CoffeeScript for some inspiration
Want a change of taste? Try CoffeeScript for a cleaner syntax. But remember, JavaScript's native multiline approach is like home-cooked food, warm, familiar, and efficient!
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