JavaScript Closures can utilize a shared global setting object or be passed as an argument to individual functions

Looking for advice on the use of a global "settings object" in relation to JavaScript closures. Should I access it from within functions in the global scope or pass the object every time a function requires access?

To provide context, here's a mockup of the situation available here

It is worth noting that both methods seem to work fine, whether accessing the object globally or passing it as a parameter.

I am currently passing the necessary object to each function every time it is needed (potentially causing unnecessary overhead). While this approach may make the code more readable and understandable, I am considering changing it. However, I am aware that doing so would require me to manage the "this" scope more diligently as the functions get deeper.

Any advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated!

Answer №1

Your configuration data is not global, but rather encapsulated within a specific scope.

Since the purpose is for other functions to access this data from within the same scope, it's perfectly acceptable to directly reference the object without passing it as an argument.

By the way, even if you were to pass it as an argument, the performance impact would be minimal because only a reference to the object is passed, not a duplicate of the entire object.

Answer №2

There are essentially three main approaches you can take:

  • Public Global Variable: Exposing settings as a global variable for access by functions.
  • Private Implementation Detail: Hiding settings as an implementation detail while still allowing access by functions.
  • Function Parameter Flexibility: Providing the option to supply different settings objects to various functions.

Global Variable Method

If your settings object acts as a singleton for your application and there's no need to switch between different settings, using a global variable is a viable option. However, it's recommended to namespace global variables in JavaScript to avoid naming conflicts.

Private Variable Method

For scenarios where you wish to conceal the settings object from external API use, employing a private variable accessed through closure is a suitable choice.

Additional Function Parameter Approach

This approach proves beneficial when there's a demand for varying settings input for distinct function calls or potential future advantages. It's particularly useful when managing multiple instances of settings within an application.

EDIT

In response to queries from comments:

Example 1)

var blah = 123;

function fizbuzz() {
    console.log(blah); // Example of closure accessing a variable
    console.log(this.blah); // Likely irrelevant, as 'this' usually refers to the window object
}

Example 2)

var obj = {
    blah: 123,
    fizbuzz: function() {
        console.log(this.blah); // Not a closure example; closest method-based instance variable access in JS
        console.log(blah); // No accessible 'blah' variable here
    }
};

To delve deeper into understanding these concepts, I recommend delving into fundamental Javascript principles through reputable resources.

Similar questions

If you have not found the answer to your question or you are interested in this topic, then look at other similar questions below or use the search

Warning: Potential Infinite Loop when using Vue JS Category Filter

I developed a program that filters events based on their program and type. The program is working correctly, however, an error message stating "You may have an infinite update loop in a component render function" keeps popping up. I suspect that the issue ...

How is it possible for a JavaScript variable sharing the same name as a div Id to automatically pass the div?

This is just ridiculous. Provided HTML <p id = "sampleText"></p> Javascript var sampleText = "Hello World!"; Execution console.log(sampleText); // prints <p id = "sampleText"></p> How is this even possible? I ...

Tips for effectively passing navigation as props in React Navigation with Expo

How can I correctly pass navigation as props to another component according to the documentation? The navigation prop is automatically provided to each screen component in your app. Additionally, To type check our screens, we need to annotate the naviga ...

What is the best location in Backbone.js to store code unrelated to the view, such as ads and analytics?

In my development of a backbone.js application, I have come to understand the role of each backbone "class" as follows: Model: This represents the data object, where the outcome of an API call is stored. Collection: An organized group of models, for exam ...

Automated task scheduled to execute every minute between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm using Cloudwatch Events

I am facing an issue with my working CRON schedule. It currently runs from 8am to 5pm and I need to change it to end at 4:30pm. Is it possible to set a specific half-hour time interval in CRON? Below is the current setting for my CRON: 0/1 8-17 ? * MON- ...

Controlling MVC controls dynamically using jQuery

I'm currently working on a table that contains multiple editable fields corresponding to an MVC model object. Each row has a cell with two buttons that toggle between edit and save functions when clicked. I've successfully implemented a mechanism ...

What is the top choice for a reliable data storage system as an alternative to using global variables?

In the process of developing my Node.js application, I have implemented several global variables to keep track of various data such as online users, server information, and ongoing events. However, the risk of losing this valuable data in the event of a se ...

"Troubleshooting: Issue with AngularJS ng-repeat not functioning properly when using an

I am working with a simple list <ul> <li ng-repeat="spiel in spielListe">Do something</li> </ul> Along with a perfectly connected controller $scope.spielListe = []; There is also a method that adds objects to the array in th ...

Using ng-selected directive along with ng-repeat in a select dropdown

Apologies for asking once more. I am having trouble setting a default value for a select element. Here is the code that I have been using: Plnkr I am unable to use ng-options in this particular scenario. Your assistance without utilizing ng-options would ...

Tips for efficiently utilizing AJAX requests in conjunction with PHP without duplicating code

I have a small script that utilizes AJAX and PHP to showcase an image. As you can see, by calling the mom() function, it searches the PHP file index.php?i=mom and displays the desired image. However, I am looking for a way to streamline the JavaScript cod ...

JavaScript Paint Brush Tool Powered by HTML5

I am looking to create a smooth and clean opacity brush. Here is an example of the drawing line I want: This is the second picture I managed to achieve: When I move the cursor quickly, there are fewer circles in the drawing line. ...

Search for elements within the database by using the recursive feature of M

I am working on a search query to retrieve 'n' number of videos from a collection. The user has primary, secondary, and tertiary language preferences (Tamil(P), Hindi(S), English(T)). My goal is to first search for videos in the primary language, ...

React - Page Loads with Empty Query Parameters

Seeking assistance with navigation logic in React, I'm encountering an issue that requires some guidance. I have developed a front-end web app using TypeScript, React, and Ionic Framework V5. The app features a standard search box that redirects use ...

Colorful D3.js heatmap display

Hello, I am currently working on incorporating a color scale into my heat map using the d3.schemeRdYlBu color scheme. However, I am facing challenges in getting it to work properly as it only displays black at the moment. While I have also implemented a ...

TypeScript Yup schema validation combined with the power of Type Inference

I currently have a unique data structure as shown below: type MyDataType = | { type: "pro"; content: { signedAt: string; expiresOn: string }; } | { type: "default" | "regular"; content: { signed ...

Toggle visibility of table row upon user click (HTML/JQuery)

Having an issue with showing or hiding table rows using jQuery. I would like it so that when a user clicks on a table row with id="jobtitle", the corresponding tr with class="texter" will either show up or hide if it is already displayed. This is my curre ...

Interactive quiz program based on object-oriented principles

As I work on developing a quiz app using JavaScript, everything seems to be going well. However, I've encountered an issue with validation where my code is validating the answers twice - once with the correct answer from the previous question and agai ...

Cannot adjust Span content with JQuery

I am currently utilizing Bootstrap and JQuery for my project. HTML <div> <ul> <li><strong> Status : </strong><span id="monitorStatusSpan">1111</span></li> </ul> </div&g ...

Shift the sideways movement of the triangle symbol

I currently have a main menu in the header with links, accompanied by a moving triangle that changes position as the user hovers from one page to another. While I want to maintain the dynamic movement, I am seeking a smoother transition effect similar to w ...

What is the best method to retrieve the audio attributes of the currently playing song using the Spotify Web API?

Check out this link for more information on using the Spotify web API to access audio features of tracks. Hello, I am currently utilizing the Spotify web API to retrieve audio features of a track. However, the API documentation only explains how to obtain ...