javascript - Why is this ternary operator invalid in JS

var truth = true;
(truth) ? console.log('It is true') : throw new Error('It is not true');

Do ternary operators only accept specific types of objects?

var truth = true;
(truth) ? console.log('It is true') : throw new Error('It is not true');

Do ternary operators only accept specific types of objects?

Share Improve this question asked Nov 21, 2012 at 22:27 Freddie 7412 gold badges10 silver badges23 bronze badges

You could make a function: function _throw(msg) { throw new Error(msg); } then use it in the conditional operator: truth ? console.log("true") : _throw("It is not true"); – I Hate Lazy Commented Nov 21, 2012 at 22:33

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3 Answers 3

Sorted by: Reset to default 18

javascript distinguishes between statements and expressions. The ternary operator only handles expressions; throw is a statement.

It does work, but the problem is the throw statement in your "else" branch.

Use

(truth) ? console.log('It is true') : (function(){throw 'It is not true'}());

The conditional operator, like all other operators, can only be used with expressions.

throw x; is a statement, not an expression.