Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Why This Function is Used
3.
Syntax, Parameter and Return Value
3.1.
Syntax:
3.2.
Parameters:
3.3.
Return Value: 
4.
Examples 
4.1.
Checking for a Number in an Array:
4.2.
JavaScript
4.3.
Searching for a Property Value in an Object:
4.4.
JavaScript
4.5.
Finding a Substring in a String:
4.6.
JavaScript
4.7.
Using fromIndex for Array Search:
4.8.
JavaScript
5.
Frequently Asked Questions 
5.1.
How does _.includes() differ from native JavaScript includes?
5.2.
Can _.includes() be used to find partial objects in an array?
5.3.
Is _.includes() case-sensitive when searching in strings?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Easy

Lodash _.includes() Method

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Introduction

Checking for the presence of a value within a collection is a common task in JavaScript. Lodash offers an elegant solution with its _.includes() method. This function checks if a given value is present in an array, object, or string, making it a versatile tool for various applications. 

Lodash _.includes() Method

This article will delve into the _.includes() method, illustrating its utility through examples and addressing frequently asked questions.

Why This Function is Used

The _.includes() function is used to determine whether a collection (array, object, or string) contains a specific value. It is especially useful in scenarios involving validation checks, feature toggling, or searching within data structures. By providing a straightforward way to check for the existence of an element, it enhances code readability and simplifies conditional logic.

Syntax, Parameter and Return Value

Syntax:

 _.includes(collection, value, [fromIndex=0])

Parameters:

  • collection (Array|Object|string): The collection to search.
     
  • value: The value to search for.
     
  • [fromIndex=0] (number): The index to start the search from.

Return Value: 

(boolean) - Returns true if value is found, else false.

Examples 

Checking for a Number in an Array:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var _ = require('lodash');

var numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

var includesTwo = _.includes(numbers, 2);

console.log(includesTwo);
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 Output: 

true


Demonstrates searching for a number in an array.

Searching for a Property Value in an Object:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var object = { 'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3 };

var includesThree = _.includes(object, 3);

console.log(includesThree);
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Run Code

 Output: 

true


Shows how to search for a value within an object's properties.

Finding a Substring in a String:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var string = "hello world";

var includesHello = _.includes(string, "hello");

console.log(includesHello);
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 Output: 

true


An example of checking for a substring within a string.

Using fromIndex for Array Search:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var includesTwoAfterIndexTwo = _.includes(numbers, 2, 2);

console.log(includesTwoAfterIndexTwo);
You can also try this code with Online Javascript Compiler
Run Code

Output:

 false


Demonstrates searching for an element in an array starting from a specific index.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does _.includes() differ from native JavaScript includes?

Lodash's _.includes() works across different types of collections, including arrays, objects, and strings, unlike the native includes which is limited to arrays and strings.

Can _.includes() be used to find partial objects in an array?

_.includes() checks for primitive values and will not match partial objects; it compares object references for equality.

Is _.includes() case-sensitive when searching in strings?

Yes, when searching within strings, _.includes() is case-sensitive and will only find exact matches.

Conclusion

Lodash's _.includes() method is a versatile and efficient way to check for the presence of a value within various types of collections. It simplifies the process of searching and validating data, enhancing the functionality and readability of JavaScript code.

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