← Back toCross browser

Create a JavaScript polyfill

Written byPhuoc Nguyen
Created
07 Sep, 2022
Due to the fact that JavaScript APIs have their own specifications, not all the browsers support a particular specification at the same time. A JavaScript API can be implemented in a browser sooner or later than the other browsers.
Because of that, we have to provide a patch version of the API to make sure that it still works on browsers that don't support it natively. That kind of patch is called polyfill.
The sample code below provides a patch for the Array's `at()` method which isn't available on Safari earlier than 15.4:
js
if (!Array.prototype.at) {
Array.prototype.at = function (index) {
// The implementation ...
};
}
We can get rid of the `if` statement:
js
Array.prototype.at =
Array.prototype.at ||
function (index) {
// The implementation ...
};
It's also possible to polyfill a global function using a similar approach. The `structedClone` function which isn't available on Safari earlier than 15.4, can be polyfilled as following:
js
if (typeof window.structuredClone !== 'function') {
window.structuredClone = function (value) {
// ...
};
}

// Or
typeof window.structuredClone !== 'function' &&
window.structuredClone = function (value) {
// ...
};
If you found this post helpful, please consider giving the repository a star on GitHub or sharing the post on your favorite social networks 😍. Your support would mean a lot to me!

Questions? 🙋

Do you have any questions about front-end development? If so, feel free to create a new issue on GitHub using the button below. I'm happy to help with any topic you'd like to learn more about, even beyond what's covered in this post.
While I have a long list of upcoming topics, I'm always eager to prioritize your questions and ideas for future content. Let's learn and grow together! Sharing knowledge is the best way to elevate ourselves 🥷.
Ask me questions

Recent posts ⚡

Newsletter 🔔

If you're into front-end technologies and you want to see more of the content I'm creating, then you might want to consider subscribing to my newsletter.
By subscribing, you'll be the first to know about new articles, products, and exclusive promotions.
Don't worry, I won't spam you. And if you ever change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Phước Nguyễn