Numerous documents within a JavaScript application

Question

Numerous documents within a JavaScript application

As a newcomer to JavaScript, I've been experimenting with the language to enhance my understanding. One aspect that puzzles me is how developers organize large JavaScript programs. In languages like Java, breaking down code into smaller files is common practice. However, it seems this isn't the case in JavaScript. Is everything usually contained within one massive file? It just doesn't seem right to me.

For instance, my ideal setup would consist of separate files—one for helper functions and another for problem-specific functions—where I could utilize the helper functions in my problem-oriented file.

If keeping things in one giant file is customary, should I divide it using modules? Apologies for the lengthy post, but I'm truly perplexed and struggling to articulate my confusion accurately.

javascript file module

Answer 1

Answer №1

When considering how to structure your application, the size of it is a key factor to take into account. For smaller tasks like handling a one-time form submission, putting all the logic in one file might suffice. However, for larger applications, especially ones that are single-page, breaking up the code into multiple files is often necessary. The interaction between these files is crucial and can be managed by carefully controlling the order in which they are included on the page. It's wise to ensure that any file dependencies are resolved with proper script inclusion.

To streamline the organization of dependencies and set yourself on the right path, exploring tools like RequireJS could be beneficial: http://requirejs.org/docs/start.html

If you're looking for an introductory guide on AMD and RequireJS, this third-party tutorial may be helpful:

In terms of the Module Pattern, while it can offer benefits in organizing code, managing dependencies across separate files remains a challenge. Exploring resources like the chapter on modules in Eloquent Javascript could provide valuable insights:

Answer 2

When considering how to structure your application, the size of it is a key factor to take into account. For smaller tasks like handling a one-time form submission, putting all the logic in one file might suffice. However, for larger applications, especially ones that are single-page, breaking up the code into multiple files is often necessary. The interaction between these files is crucial and can be managed by carefully controlling the order in which they are included on the page. It's wise to ensure that any file dependencies are resolved with proper script inclusion.

To streamline the organization of dependencies and set yourself on the right path, exploring tools like RequireJS could be beneficial: http://requirejs.org/docs/start.html

If you're looking for an introductory guide on AMD and RequireJS, this third-party tutorial may be helpful:

In terms of the Module Pattern, while it can offer benefits in organizing code, managing dependencies across separate files remains a challenge. Exploring resources like the chapter on modules in Eloquent Javascript could provide valuable insights:

Answer 3

Answer №2

No need for fancy JavaScript plugins to achieve this - simply include your "header files" (function declarations) before your main JS file in the HTML.

For example:

file1.js:

// Function declarations
function handyFunction() {
 // Do something useful
}

file2.js:

// Using the functions here
handyFunction();

HTML:

<body>
<!-- Your HTML content here -->
<script src="file1.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<script src="file2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</body>

If you prefer not to have everything on the global object, create objects containing the necessary methods and access them as needed or previously created instances. Here's a simple example:

MyObject.js:

function MyObject() {
    this.property = "someValue";
}

MyObject.prototype.someMethod = function () {
    // Perform an action
}

main.js:

var obj= new MyObject();
obj.someMethod();

HTML:

<!-- Remember to include your files in the correct order -->
<script src="MyObject.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<script src="main.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

In JavaScript, every variable is declared within a function scope unless explicitly assigned to the window object. This function scope concept differs greatly from other languages. To share code between files with function scope, use the module pattern by encapsulating code within a named variable like "module" and declaring it on the global object.

Answer 4

No need for fancy JavaScript plugins to achieve this - simply include your "header files" (function declarations) before your main JS file in the HTML.

For example:

file1.js:

// Function declarations
function handyFunction() {
 // Do something useful
}

file2.js:

// Using the functions here
handyFunction();

HTML:

<body>
<!-- Your HTML content here -->
<script src="file1.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<script src="file2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</body>

If you prefer not to have everything on the global object, create objects containing the necessary methods and access them as needed or previously created instances. Here's a simple example:

MyObject.js:

function MyObject() {
    this.property = "someValue";
}

MyObject.prototype.someMethod = function () {
    // Perform an action
}

main.js:

var obj= new MyObject();
obj.someMethod();

HTML:

<!-- Remember to include your files in the correct order -->
<script src="MyObject.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<script src="main.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

In JavaScript, every variable is declared within a function scope unless explicitly assigned to the window object. This function scope concept differs greatly from other languages. To share code between files with function scope, use the module pattern by encapsulating code within a named variable like "module" and declaring it on the global object.

Numerous documents within a JavaScript application

Answer №1

Answer №2

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