Question 1

How do I use raf polyfill in Node.js?

Accepted Answer

Install via npm and require 'raf'; it automatically polyfills the global object, allowing you to create animation loops for simulations or tools with the same API as in browsers.

Question 2

Raf vs setTimeout for animations?

Accepted Answer

Raf synchronizes with the display's refresh rate for smoother, more efficient animations, while setTimeout can cause jank and layout thrashing. Use raf for performance-critical animations, but setTimeout is simpler for basic delays.

Question 3

Does raf work in Internet Explorer 9?

Accepted Answer

Yes, raf polyfills requestAnimationFrame in older browsers like IE9, ensuring compatibility. It follows the standard API, so you can use it as a drop-in replacement without code changes.

Question 4

How to cancel an animation frame with raf?

Accepted Answer

Use raf.cancel(handle) where handle is the identifier returned by raf(). This matches native cancelAnimationFrame behavior and removes the queued callback to stop animations.

Question 5

What's the performance impact of using raf polyfill?

Accepted Answer

Raf is minimal and efficient, but in environments with native support, it adds slight overhead. However, it prevents layout thrashing and unnecessary repaints, often improving overall animation performance compared to alternatives like setTimeout.

Question 6

How to polyfill a custom window object with raf?

Accepted Answer

Use raf.polyfill(object) to attach the API to a custom object, such as a fake window in tests. This is detailed in the README and useful for non-standard setups without affecting the global scope.

Question 7

Raf or rAF-polyfill: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Raf is widely adopted, spec-compliant, and supports both Node.js and browsers, while rAF-polyfill may vary in features. Raf's simplicity and cross-platform reliability make it a solid choice for basic polyfilling needs.

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