Why is Awaiting Promise Chains Considered Bad Practice in JavaScript?

The Perils of Awaiting Promise Chains: Uncovering the Potential Pitfalls

It has been brought to your attention that the following code snippet is frowned upon:

await someFunction().then(result => {
    console.log(result);
});

While it may seem like a trivial issue to await a promise chain, experts have cautioned against this practice, citing potential bugs and unforeseen consequences. Let us delve into the depths of this issue to shed light on the subtle yet significant differences between the above code and its more concise counterpart:

const result = await someFunction();
console.log(result);

The Same But Different:

Superficially, these two code snippets achieve the same outcome. However, the underlying mechanism differs significantly. The latter snippet utilizes the async/await syntax, which is recommended for asynchronous programming in JavaScript. By contrast, the former snippet employs a mixture of promise chaining and synchronous code execution, potentially introducing a host of issues.

The Dangers of Mixing Styles:

One peril of awaiting a promise chain lies in the inherent confusion it generates. When combining both async/await and then()/catch() callbacks, it becomes challenging to maintain a consistent and predictable codebase. The potential for errors increases as developers navigate this hybrid approach.

Complexity and Maintenance:

Furthermore, promise chaining adds unnecessary complexity to the code, especially when dealing with conditional returns or additional promise calls. The code becomes convoluted, hindering readability and making it more susceptible to bugs. Conversely, the async/await syntax offers a streamlined and straightforward approach, promoting code clarity and reducing the risk of oversights.

Consistency is Key:

For the sake of code consistency and maintainability, it is advisable to adopt a uniform approach throughout your asynchronous programming. Stick to await for handling promises, as it provides a cleaner and more concise solution.

Exceptions to the Rule:

While async/await is generally preferred, exceptions may arise where promise chaining serves a specific purpose, such as error handling. In these instances, promise chaining can offer a more elegant solution compared to using catch or nested then() callbacks.

Conclusion:

To avoid potential pitfalls and ensure code quality, it is prudent to follow the recommended practices and refrain from awaiting promise chains. Embracing async/await as the primary mechanism for asynchronous programming will promote consistency, reduce complexity, and ultimately lead to more robust and reliable code.

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