Is it possible to create a static array with custom keys in JavaScript using just one line of code, similar to how it can be done

When attempting to create a static array in JavaScript:

let arr = ['a':'a1','b':'b2','c':'c3'] //results in an error

When attempting to create a static array in PHP:

$arr = ['a'=>'a1','b'=>'b2','c'=>'c3'] //works fine

Why is it that objects can be created using {} but arrays with [] cannot have custom keys?

I'm not comparing JavaScript and PHP, just wondering WHY? Why are only Objects allowed custom keys and not Arrays?

Answer №1

Utilizing the inherent Array type in JavaScript, it seems that achieving this can be closest by using Object.assign to duplicate named properties from an object to an Array object. However, there is uncertainty if this approach will yield the expected results.

const a = Object.assign([1,2,3], {a:4, b:5, c:6});

This method works because an array functions as an object of a distinct kind, equipped with specific Array.prototype functionalities for managing its numerically indexed elements.

If the intention was to iterate over non-numeric named properties using operations like .map or .forEach, it won't succeed. These methods are tailored for working solely with numerically indexed array items. Trying them with the aforementioned array yields:

a.forEach(x=> console.log(x));
// output:
// => 1
// => 2
// => 3

The properties a/b/c aren't displayed.

A more effective solution, likely aligning with your intentions, involves creating a custom "class," such as demonstrated below:

function NamedArray(init) {
  Object.assign(this, init);
}
NamedArray.prototype.forEach = function(callback) {
  const keys = Object.entries(this);
  keys.forEach(([key, value],array)=> callback(value, key, array));
}

const arr = new NamedArray({a:1,b:2,c:3});
arr.forEach((value,key)=> {
  console.log(key, value);
})

You can define all necessary class methods using this structure.

Note: There is also ES6 syntax available for generating these classes, which streamlines the creation of objects featuring numerous prototype methods and properties.

Answer №2

The issue you're facing stems from not utilizing {}, but rather []. In programming, [] represents arrays, which are structured lists of elements, while {} denotes objects that can encapsulate various data types ranging from numbers to functions.

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