fp-option-ref
Quick reference for Option type. Use when user needs to handle nullable values, optional data, or wants to avoid null checks.
About this skill
The `fp-option-ref` skill serves as an on-demand knowledge base for the `Option` type from the `fp-ts` functional programming library. It encapsulates essential information and code examples for working with values that may or may not exist, represented as `Some(value)` or `None`. This skill empowers AI agents to generate robust TypeScript/JavaScript code, answer user queries about functional error handling, and explain complex concepts like `map`, `flatMap`, `fromNullable`, and `fromPredicate` in the context of `Option`. By leveraging this reference, agents can help users avoid common pitfalls associated with `null` or `undefined` checks, promoting cleaner, safer, and more predictable codebases.
Best use case
An AI agent can utilize this skill when a user asks for functional programming patterns to handle potentially missing data, needs examples of `fp-ts/Option` usage, or requires assistance in generating code that implements `Option` for safer data processing. It's particularly useful for explaining the benefits of `Option` over traditional null checks and demonstrating common transformations.
Quick reference for Option type. Use when user needs to handle nullable values, optional data, or wants to avoid null checks.
The AI agent will provide accurate explanations of the `fp-ts/Option` type, including its purpose, benefits, and core operations. It will also be able to generate correct and idiomatic TypeScript code snippets for creating and transforming `Option` values, effectively demonstrating how to handle nullable data in a functional manner.
Practical example
Example input
How can I use `fp-ts` to handle optional configuration values without null checks? Show me how to create and transform an `Option`.
Example output
The `fp-ts/Option` type is perfect for this! It represents a value that might or might not be present, helping you avoid `null` or `undefined` issues. Here's a quick reference:
**Option = A value that might not exist.** It can be `Some(value)` (value is present) or `None` (value is absent).
**1. Create an Option:**
```typescript
import * as O from 'fp-ts/Option'
O.some(5) // Type: Option<number>, Value: Some(5)
O.none // Type: Option<never>, Value: None
// From potentially nullable values:
const maybeValue = Math.random() > 0.5 ? 'hello' : null;
O.fromNullable(maybeValue) // If maybeValue is 'hello' → Some('hello'), else → None
// From a predicate:
const num = 10;
O.fromPredicate((x: number) => x > 0)(num) // If num > 0 → Some(10), else → None
```
**2. Transform an Option:**
```typescript
import * as O from 'fp-ts/Option'
const five = O.some(5);
const none = O.none;
// O.map: Transforms the inner value if present. If None, it remains None.
O.map((x: number) => x * 2)(five) // Some(10)
O.map((x: number) => x * 2)(none) // None
// O.flatMap: Chains Options. Use when your transformation function also returns an Option.
// This prevents nested Options (e.g., Option<Option<T>>).
const safeDivide = (dividend: number, divisor: number): O.Option<number> =>
divisor === 0 ? O.none : O.some(dividend / divisor);
O.flatMap((x: number) => safeDivide(x, 2))(five) // Some(2.5)
O.flatMap((x: number) => safeDivide(x, 0))(five) // None
O.flatMap((x: number) => safeDivide(x, 2))(none) // None
// O.filter: Returns None if the predicate is false, otherwise keeps the Some value.
O.filter((x: number) => x > 3)(five) // Some(5)
O.filter((x: number) => x > 10)(five) // None
```When to use this skill
- Use this skill when: - You need to generate TypeScript code that gracefully handles optional or nullable data using a functional programming paradigm. - You are explaining the `fp-ts/Option` type and its core operations (creation, transformation) to a user. - The goal is to avoid explicit `null` or `undefined` checks and improve code readability and safety. - You are refactoring existing code to incorporate `fp-ts` patterns for better error handling and data flow.
When not to use this skill
- Avoid using this skill when: - The programming context does not involve `fp-ts` or functional programming concepts for optional data. - Simple `null` or `undefined` checks are sufficient for the task and `Option` would introduce unnecessary complexity. - The absence of a value signifies a critical error that should halt execution (e.g., throwing an exception) rather than being handled as a `None` value. - The task is unrelated to code generation, explanation of functional programming concepts, or data handling with `Option`.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/fp-option-ref/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How fp-option-ref Compares
| Feature / Agent | fp-option-ref | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Claude | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | easy | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Quick reference for Option type. Use when user needs to handle nullable values, optional data, or wants to avoid null checks.
Which AI agents support this skill?
This skill is designed for Claude.
How difficult is it to install?
The installation complexity is rated as easy. You can find the installation instructions above.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# Option Quick Reference
Option = value that might not exist. `Some(value)` or `None`.
## When to Use
- You need a quick fp-ts reference for nullable or optional values.
- The task involves eliminating null checks, safe property access, or optional chaining with `Option`.
- You want a short reference card rather than a full migration guide.
## Create
```typescript
import * as O from 'fp-ts/Option'
O.some(5) // Some(5)
O.none // None
O.fromNullable(x) // null/undefined → None, else Some(x)
O.fromPredicate(x > 0)(x) // false → None, true → Some(x)
```
## Transform
```typescript
O.map(fn) // Transform inner value
O.flatMap(fn) // Chain Options (fn returns Option)
O.filter(predicate) // None if predicate false
```
## Extract
```typescript
O.getOrElse(() => default) // Get value or default
O.toNullable(opt) // Back to T | null
O.toUndefined(opt) // Back to T | undefined
O.match(onNone, onSome) // Pattern match
```
## Common Patterns
```typescript
import { pipe } from 'fp-ts/function'
import * as O from 'fp-ts/Option'
// Safe property access
pipe(
O.fromNullable(user),
O.map(u => u.profile),
O.flatMap(p => O.fromNullable(p.avatar)),
O.getOrElse(() => '/default-avatar.png')
)
// Array first element
import * as A from 'fp-ts/Array'
pipe(
users,
A.head, // Option<User>
O.map(u => u.name),
O.getOrElse(() => 'No users')
)
```
## vs Nullable
```typescript
// ❌ Nullable - easy to forget checks
const name = user?.profile?.name ?? 'Guest'
// ✅ Option - explicit, composable
pipe(
O.fromNullable(user),
O.flatMap(u => O.fromNullable(u.profile)),
O.map(p => p.name),
O.getOrElse(() => 'Guest')
)
```
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