Navigating the Browser Landscape with is.ie and is.not_ie from 'thiis': A Journey into Internet Explorer Detection
Tags: programming, frontend, typescript, security
Published: 2023-11-17 00:29:36

Web development is an ever-expanding universe, and as developers, we often find ourselves dealing with various browsers. One browser that has left an indelible mark on the internet's history is Internet Explorer (IE). Enter the `is.ie` and `is.not_ie` methods from the 'thiis' package, your trusty companions for identifying and working with Internet Explorer. In this article, we'll embark on a journey to explore these tools and their applications in the vast world of web development.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3wi26ttif714eq0wa4i7.jpeg)

## Understanding the IE Saga

Before we dive into the code, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of Internet Explorer. At one point, it was the go-to browser for many internet users. However, times have changed, and modern web development often involves ensuring compatibility with more advanced browsers. The `is.ie` and `is.not_ie` methods help you navigate this landscape with ease.

## Meet `is.ie` - Your IE Detector
[Documentation link](https://karbashevskyi.github.io/thiis/docs/API/Browser/is.ie)

Imagine you're on a quest to detect Internet Explorer in your code. The `is.ie` method is your trusted IE detector, ensuring that the browser is indeed Internet Explorer. Let's see it in action:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis'; // Import the "is" object from the "thiis" package

const isInternetExplorer = is.ie();

console.log(isInternetExplorer); // true or false, depending on the browser
```

In this example, we import the "is" object from the "thiis" package and use the `is.ie` method to detect if the browser is Internet Explorer. The method returns `true` if it is, and `false` otherwise.

## The Journey of Examples

Now, let's embark on a series of practical examples to showcase the versatility of `is.ie` and its counterpart, `is.not_ie`. We'll explore six unique scenarios, providing a glimpse into how these methods can be applied in real-world situations.

### 1. **Custom Messages for IE Users**

Tailor your user experience based on the user's browser. Use `is.ie` to display a custom message to Internet Explorer users:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';

if (is.ie()) {
  alert('Hello Explorer! Consider upgrading for a better experience.');
} else {
  // Continue with your standard message for other browsers.
}
```

### 2. **Feature Compatibility Checks**

Check if a specific feature or functionality is compatible with Internet Explorer before implementing it. This ensures a smoother user experience:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';

if (is.ie()) {
  // Handle IE-specific feature or provide a fallback.
} else {
  // Implement the feature for other browsers.
}
```

### 3. **Conditional Styling for IE**

Apply specific styles to elements when the user is on Internet Explorer. `is.ie` allows you to conditionally style elements for IE users:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';

const element = document.getElementById('myElement');

if (is.ie()) {
  element.classList.add('ie-style');
} else {
  // Apply standard styles for other browsers.
}
```

### 4. **IE Detection in Stream with `is.not_ie`**

In a stream of events, use `is.not_ie` to filter out actions that should not be performed on Internet Explorer. Here's an example using RxJS:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';
import { from } from 'rxjs';
import { filter } from 'rxjs/operators';

const stream$ = from(['Click', 'Hover', 'Resize', 'IE-specific-action']);

stream$
  .pipe(
    filter(is.not_ie)
  )
  .subscribe(action => {
    console.log(action); // Only non-IE actions will be processed.
  });
```

In this example, the `filter(is.not_ie)` ensures that only non-IE specific actions are processed in the stream.

### 5. **Array Handling with `is.ie`**

Arrays can also be navigated with `is.ie`. For instance, you might want to include a specific script only for IE users:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';

const scripts = [
  'common-script.js',
  is.ie() ? 'ie-specific-script.js' : null,
];

// Filter out null values for non-IE browsers
const activeScripts = scripts.filter(Boolean);

// Load the scripts
activeScripts.forEach(script => {
  const scriptTag = document.createElement('script');
  scriptTag.src = script;
  document.head.appendChild(scriptTag);
});
```

### 6. **IE-Specific Functionality**

Implement IE-specific functionality using `is.ie`. For example, you might want to use a polyfill or alternative method for Internet Explorer users:

```javascript
import { is } from 'thiis';

if (is.ie()) {
  // Implement IE-specific functionality or load a polyfill.
} else {
  // Continue with standard functionality for other browsers.
}
```

## The Adventure Continues

The `is.ie` and `is.not_ie` methods from the 'thiis' package are your reliable companions in the vast landscape of web development. They empower you to create tailored experiences, ensuring compatibility with Internet Explorer when needed. By adding the 'thiis' package to your web development toolkit and exploring its documentation for more tips and examples, you can navigate the browser landscape with confidence and finesse.

So, keep coding, and remember that each browser has its own story to tell!

> 🎗 ChatGPT & DALL·E 3