If you're encountering the error "Unable to get property 'apply' of undefined or null reference" while using Angular 2 with IE11, don't worry - you're not alone! This issue often crops up due to compatibility issues between Angular 2 and Internet Explorer 11. But fret not, as I'm here to guide you through resolving this pesky problem.
First off, let's tackle the root cause of this error. The most common reason behind this issue is that IE11 lacks support for certain features that Angular 2 relies on. But fear not, as there are some simple strategies you can employ to mitigate this error and ensure smooth functioning of your Angular 2 application on IE11.
One effective way to address this problem is by including polyfills. Polyfills are code snippets that provide modern JavaScript features to older browsers like IE11. To get started, ensure that you have the core-js and zone.js polyfills included in your Angular 2 project. These polyfills help bridge the gap in functionality between IE11 and Angular 2, resolving many compatibility issues.
Additionally, make sure to include the following lines of code at the beginning of your main.ts file:
import 'core-js/es6/reflect';
import 'core-js/es7/reflect';These imports will ensure that the necessary polyfills are loaded, enabling Angular 2 to function properly on IE11.
Another step you can take is to disable certain Angular features that may not be fully supported by IE11. For instance, you can disable the Web Animations API by adding the following line to your polyfills.ts file:
import 'web-animations-js';By disabling features that are problematic for IE11, you can prevent the "Unable to get property 'apply' of undefined or null reference" error from occurring.
It's also worth noting that keeping your Angular 2 version up to date can help alleviate compatibility issues with IE11. Check if you're using the latest version of Angular 2 and update it if necessary. Angular frequently releases updates and patches that address compatibility issues with various browsers, including IE11.
Lastly, ensure that your application's code is well-structured and follows best practices for Angular 2 development. Clean, organized code reduces the likelihood of encountering errors and makes troubleshooting easier in case issues arise.
By following these steps and applying the suggested solutions, you can overcome the "Unable to get property 'apply' of undefined or null reference" error in Angular 2 on IE11. Remember, persistence and diligence in troubleshooting these compatibility issues will ensure a seamless user experience across different browsers, including the notorious IE11.