How can I retrieve x-data from an external file using Alpine.js?

Question

How can I retrieve x-data from an external file using Alpine.js?

I recently started exploring Alpine.js and grasped the fundamentals, but I'm facing challenges when trying to move functions outside of inline script tags.

Consider this snippet from index.html:

<div x-data="{ loading: false }"/>
  <button
    onClick="post()"
    :class="{ 'active': loading === true }"
  >
    Post Comment
  </button>
</div>

If the post() function were in a file like main.ts:

const postComment = () => {
  this.loading = true;
};

window.postComment = postComment;

How can I prevent this from being undefined in this scenario?

I've come across numerous examples where functions are contained within index.html, but none that address situations where they reside in separate files.

javascript alpine.js

Answer 1

Answer №1

To access the same scope in AlpineJs, you will need to add the method to the instance. This can be done using object destructuring with the spread operator like so:

Within the HTML page:

<div x-data="{
  isLoading: false,
  ...customUtils
}">
    // Your content
</div>

In your external script file:

const customUtils = {
  post(){
    this.isLoading = true
  }
}

window.customUtils = customUtils

The benefit of this approach is that you can include all necessary functions for a loading indicator in one external object and use it as a mixin wherever required.

Here is a functioning example: https://codepen.io/stephenoldham/pen/BapvyYr

Update for AlpineJs v3:

If you are working with the latest version of AlpineJs, you should utilize the Data Directive to achieve the same result:

In the HTML page:

<div x-data="customUtils">
    // Your content
</div>

In the external script file:

document.addEventListener('alpine:init', () => {
    Alpine.data('customUtils', () => ({
        isLoading: false,
        post(){
            this.isLoading = true

            setTimeout(() => {
                this.isLoading = false
            }, 3000)
        }
    }))
})

Here is a working example: https://codepen.io/stephenoldham-the-vuer/pen/dyJEjRx?editors=1100

For more information on setting initial values and additional functionalities, refer to the documentation:

Answer 2

To access the same scope in AlpineJs, you will need to add the method to the instance. This can be done using object destructuring with the spread operator like so:

Within the HTML page:

<div x-data="{
  isLoading: false,
  ...customUtils
}">
    // Your content
</div>

In your external script file:

const customUtils = {
  post(){
    this.isLoading = true
  }
}

window.customUtils = customUtils

The benefit of this approach is that you can include all necessary functions for a loading indicator in one external object and use it as a mixin wherever required.

Here is a functioning example: https://codepen.io/stephenoldham/pen/BapvyYr

Update for AlpineJs v3:

If you are working with the latest version of AlpineJs, you should utilize the Data Directive to achieve the same result:

In the HTML page:

<div x-data="customUtils">
    // Your content
</div>

In the external script file:

document.addEventListener('alpine:init', () => {
    Alpine.data('customUtils', () => ({
        isLoading: false,
        post(){
            this.isLoading = true

            setTimeout(() => {
                this.isLoading = false
            }, 3000)
        }
    }))
})

Here is a working example: https://codepen.io/stephenoldham-the-vuer/pen/dyJEjRx?editors=1100

For more information on setting initial values and additional functionalities, refer to the documentation:

How can I retrieve x-data from an external file using Alpine.js?

Answer №1

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