Always explicitly check for null, undefined, or missing properties/methods before performing operations that could fail. JavaScript's loose typing and the fact that `typeof null === 'object'` can lead to runtime errors if values aren't validated first. Key patterns to implement: - Check for null/undefined objects: `if (params == null) { return; }` - Verify method existence: `if (typeof child.removeParent === 'function') { child.removeParent(this); }` - Validate array elements: `if (_backPressSubscriptions[i] && _backPressSubscriptions[i]()) { ... }` or use optional chaining `_backPressSubscriptions[i]?.()` This prevents common runtime errors and makes code more robust by handling edge cases where expected values or methods might not be present.