current-device

v0.10.2

Published

2 years ago

The easiest way to write conditional CSS and/or JavaScript based on device operating system (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Firefox OS, MeeGo, AppleTV, etc), orientation (Portrait vs. Landscape), and type (Tablet vs. Mobile).

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matthewhudson

CURRENT-DEVICE

This module makes it easy to write conditional CSS and/or JavaScript based on device operating system (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, MacOs, Firefox OS, MeeGo, AppleTV, etc), orientation (Portrait vs. Landscape), and type (Tablet vs. Mobile).

View the Demo →

EXAMPLES

This module inserts CSS classes into the <html> element.

iPhone

Android Tablet

Blackberry Tablet

DEVICE SUPPORT

iOS: iPhone, iPod, iPad
Android: Phones & Tablets
Blackberry: Phones & Tablets
Windows: Phones & Tablets
Firefox OS: Phones & Tablets

USAGE

Just include the script. The script then updates the <html> section with the appropriate classes based on the device's characteristics.

Installation

npm install current-device

And then import it:

// using es modules
import device from "current-device";

// common.js
const device = require("current-device").default;

Or use script tags and globals.

<script src="https://unpkg.com/current-device/umd/current-device.min.js"></script>

And then access it off the global like so:

console.log("device.mobile() === %s", device.mobile());

CONDITIONAL CSS

The following tables map which CSS classes are added based on device and orientation.

Device CSS Class Names

Orientation CSS Class Names

CONDITIONAL JAVASCRIPT

This module also includes support for conditional JavaScript, allowing you to write checks on the following device characteristics:

Device JavaScript Methods

Orientation JavaScript Methods

Orientation JavaScript Callback

device.onChangeOrientation(newOrientation => {
  console.log(`New orientation is ${newOrientation}`);
});

Utility Methods

device.noConflict()

Run current-device in noConflict mode, returning the device variable to its previous owner. Returns a reference to the device object.

const currentDevice = device.noConflict();

Useful Properties

Access these properties on the device object to get the first match on that attribute without looping through all of its getter methods.

BEST PRACTICES

Environment detection has a high rate of misuse. Often times, folks will attempt to work around browser feature support problems by checking for the affected browser and doing something different in response. The preferred solution for those kinds of problems, of course, is to check for the feature, not the browser (ala Modernizr).

However, that common misuse of device detection doesn't mean it should never be done. For example, current-device could be employed to change the interface of your web app such that it uses interaction patterns and UI elements common to the device it's being presented on. Android devices might get a slightly different treatment than Windows or iOS, for instance. Another valid use-case is guiding users to different app stores depending on the device they're using.

In short, check for features when you need features, and check for the browser when you need the browser.

Contributors ✨

Thanks goes to these wonderful people (emoji key):

This project follows the all-contributors specification. Contributions of any kind welcome!