Enhancing the efficiency of typed containers in JavaScript

Recently, I uncovered a clever method for creating fake 'classes' in JavaScript, but now I'm curious about how to efficiently store them and easily access their functions within an IDE.

Here is an example:

function Map(){
   this.width = 0;
   this.height = 0;
   this.layers = new Layers();
}

Currently, I have a function that iterates through XML data and generates multiple instances of the Map() object. When I group these objects under a single variable, accessing them works seamlessly, like so:

map1 = new Map();
map1.height = 1;

However, I am unsure about the specific name they will be stored under. This led me to consider saving them in this manner:

mapArray = {};
mapArray['map1'] = new Map();

Yet, attempting to access the functions using this structure seems to present challenges with IDE code completion:

mapArray['map1'].height = 1;

As an alternative, I contemplated the following solution:

function fetch(name){
    var fetch = new Map();
    fetch = test[name];
}

This could allow me to utilize the following syntax:

fetch('test').height = 1;

Although, I'm concerned that such a method might lead to significant overhead from continuous variable copying. Is there a simpler approach that I may be overlooking?

Answer №1

The issue with the code not functioning lies in the fact that for a map/array to allow any type of element inside it, it must assume that the elements are at a lower level of inheritance. Unlike technologies such as Vector<> and proxy objects in Actionscript, implementing this concept in JavaScript is challenging.

How can you overload the [] operator in JavaScript

If the desired functionality aligns with your current solution, it is likely the most straightforward approach. Another option is creating a .get(whatever) function that returns the specified type of value for [whatever], along with a .set(whatever,value) function. However, these methods may not prevent external code from using [].

Relying heavily on the IDE for this purpose is discouraged, but enhancing data typing within code is generally beneficial.

Update:

To test basic JavaScript functionalities easily, consider utilizing the command-line version:

https://developer.mozilla.org/en/SpiderMonkey_Build_Documentation

While not recommended solely for manipulating IDE behavior, here is an example showcasing one way to achieve it:

# js
js> function FooDataClass(){ this.data = "argh!"; }
js> function FooClass(){ this.get = GetStuff; this.put = PutStuff; this.stuff = new FooDataClass(); }
js> function PutStuff(name,stuff){ this[name]= this.stuff = stuff; }    
js> function GetStuff(name){ return this.stuff = this[name]; }     
js> f = new FooClass()       
[object Object]
js> f.put('bar', new FooDataClass())       
js> f.get('bar')    
[object Object]
js> f.get('bar').data
argh!
js> 

This approach potentially tricks the IDE into behaving as expected.

Answer №2

Another efficient approach involves utilizing a robustly-typed language that compiles down to JavaScript. The ST-JS Maven plugin, which seamlessly integrates with Eclipse, enables developers to write their code in Java. This tool automatically generates the corresponding JavaScript code whenever you save your file. Leveraging Java as the primary language allows for seamless support of features like code auto-completion, refactoring, and browsing execution paths within your IDE.

This method streamlines the learning curve significantly, as it requires familiarization only with APIs typically used in JavaScript, such as DOM or jQuery. The key advantage lies in presenting these concepts in a strongly-typed manner.

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