"prepare" Method Ineffective for Converting Numeric Values to Strings Due to Premature String Check in IMask

[honibis]

When binding to numeric values, IMask throws an error: "value should be string". The issue occurs because the prepare method, which could be used to convert a number to a string, is called after IMask performs the string type check.

In the base.js file, the following code leads to the error:

append(str, flags, tail) {
  if (!isString(str)) throw new Error('value should be string');
  const checkTail = isString(tail) ? new ContinuousTailDetails(String(tail)) : tail;
  if (flags != null && flags.tail) flags._beforeTailState = this.state;
  let details;
  [str, details] = this.doPrepare(str, flags);
}

The string check happens before the prepare method, making it ineffective for converting a number to a string.

To Reproduce

Bind a numeric value to an input element.
Apply IMask with a prepare function to convert the number to a string.
IMask throws the error: "value should be string".
Expected behavior

The prepare method should be called before the string check, allowing it to convert a number to a string or apply toString() to numeric values before the check is made. This would prevent the error from being thrown when working with numeric values.

Environment:

"angular-imask": "^7.6.1"
Angular
Additional context

This issue prevents smooth handling of numeric values, especially when binding to inputs with masks that require the value to be treated as a string. Calling the prepare method before the string check would allow for proper type conversion.