pathval
Retrieve object values based on string paths easily.
- Status
- Generally available
- Last checked
- Aging · Sep 1, 2026
- License
- Open source
- Pricing
- Free tier · from $0
What it is
Pathval is a lightweight JavaScript library that allows developers to retrieve nested object values using string path notation, simplifying complex data access in applications.
Pathval stands out for its simplicity and ease of integration into JavaScript projects, making complex object navigation straightforward without the need for extensive setup or configuration.
When it fits — and when it doesn’t
A good fit for
Developers working with complex, nested JSON structures who need a simple way to access values.
Projects where the data structure is deeply nested and requires frequent updates or retrievals.
Look elsewhere if
Scenarios requiring real-time data manipulation in large-scale applications due to its simplicity.
Use cases that require heavy computation on each path retrieval, as it focuses more on ease of use rather than performance optimization.
Known weaknesses
Each one links to the public issue, changelog or docs page it came from, where we have one.
- 01
Limited error handling for invalid paths
Throws generic errors without specific details on what part of the path is invalid.
- 02
No built-in support for complex data types like Maps or Sets
Pathval only supports plain JavaScript objects and arrays, lacking native handling for more advanced collection types.
- 03
Inadequate documentation on edge cases and best practices
Documentation lacks examples of how to handle deeply nested structures or circular references.
- 04
Performance may degrade with extremely deep object nesting
Recursive path resolution can be slow for very large and deeply nested objects, leading to potential performance bottlenecks.
What it does well
Retrieve nested object values using string paths.
Supports both getting and setting values via path notation.
Lightweight and easy to integrate into existing projects.
Pricing
- Free tier
- YesOpen source — free to use
- Paid from
- $0
- Model
- Flat rate
- Enterprise plan
- No
Pricing not independently confirmed — check the vendor’s page.
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Set up pathval
Setup steps, common gotchas and what to check after 30 days.