@babel/plugin-transform-optional-catch-binding allows you to write cleaner JavaScript by omitting the catch binding variable in try...catch statements when you don't need it. This plugin transforms code like try { /* ... */ } catch { /* ... */ } into valid syntax for older JavaScript environments that require a catch binding. It enhances backwards compatibility, ensuring your modern JavaScript code works seamlessly in environments without optional catch binding support, reducing boilerplate and improving readability.
The @babel/plugin-transform-optional-catch-binding package had inconsistent releases between May 2023 and August 2025. Peak activity occurred in May 2023 (2 releases) and October 2024 (3 releases). Many months saw no releases, particularly in late 2023, early 2024, and from May to August 2025, suggesting an irregular maintenance schedule. The most recent version was released in April 2025.
@babel/plugin-transform-optional-catch-binding saw steady download growth from March 2024 to July 2025, peaking at 93.4 million. August 2025 saw a slight dip to 91.1 million. September 2025 downloads are significantly lower (29.3 million), though the month is not yet complete.