Optimal code structuring for a javascript plugin

Question

Optimal code structuring for a javascript plugin

Hey there, I came across some intriguing posts on this topic, but I believe it's a very personal question that requires a tailored answer. So, I'm reaching out to ask you: what is the most effective way to organize my code for a JavaScript plugin in the most unobtrusive manner?

This is how my current code looks:

    var myApp = (function(){
        // Here are my global methods or variables
        var self = this;
        return {
            method1:function(){}
            method2:function(){}
            method3:function(){}
    }

   })() || (myApp = {})
myApp.method1();

I am executing 'method1', which calls or uses the entire code of my app. I think I could add an 'onload' event with the `addEventListener` method to execute 'method1'. This way, I believe my code could be better organized. Just to clarify, my plugin is relatively small - around 200 lines of JavaScript code - and must be implemented in VanillaJS. It is used on a single page of a website, so I don't see the necessity of creating a prototype class called with "new," in my opinion.

javascript design-patterns architecture

Answer 1

Answer №1

The effectiveness of various patterns in organizing and maintaining code depends on the specific project at hand. Over time, I have found a combination of patterns that work well for me personally.
Here is a basic framework example for a module within an application:

;(function(global, undefined){

    var app = global.app || {},
        moduleName = 'utilities',
        module = app[moduleName] || {};

    // "private" variables
    var version = "2.0";

    // pseudo "private" functions (using underscore convention)
    module._bindEventHandlers = function(){
        // implementation details go here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // public method
    module.someMethod = function(){
        // action steps here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // another public method
    module.anotherMethod = function(){
        // more actions here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // initialization logic
    module.init = function(){
        this
            ._bindEventHandlers()
            .someMethod();
    }

    app[moduleName] = module;
    global.app = app;

})(this);

To utilize this module within your application (during initialization or whenever needed), you can simply invoke:

app.utilities.init();
app.utilities.anotherMethod();

This sample module is designed for reusability when creating new modules. Most modules typically require initialization processes (like the init method) and event handling (via _bindEventHandlers method). Additionally, it ensures a clean global namespace by containing functionality within the main app object.

Answer 2

The effectiveness of various patterns in organizing and maintaining code depends on the specific project at hand. Over time, I have found a combination of patterns that work well for me personally.
Here is a basic framework example for a module within an application:

;(function(global, undefined){

    var app = global.app || {},
        moduleName = 'utilities',
        module = app[moduleName] || {};

    // "private" variables
    var version = "2.0";

    // pseudo "private" functions (using underscore convention)
    module._bindEventHandlers = function(){
        // implementation details go here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // public method
    module.someMethod = function(){
        // action steps here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // another public method
    module.anotherMethod = function(){
        // more actions here

        // maintain chainability
        return this;
    }

    // initialization logic
    module.init = function(){
        this
            ._bindEventHandlers()
            .someMethod();
    }

    app[moduleName] = module;
    global.app = app;

})(this);

To utilize this module within your application (during initialization or whenever needed), you can simply invoke:

app.utilities.init();
app.utilities.anotherMethod();

This sample module is designed for reusability when creating new modules. Most modules typically require initialization processes (like the init method) and event handling (via _bindEventHandlers method). Additionally, it ensures a clean global namespace by containing functionality within the main app object.

Answer 3

Answer №2

When it comes to my coding needs, I typically utilize something along these lines.

(function(app, undefined){ 
  var module = app.module = (function(){
    var privatestuff

    return {}
  }())

  var singelton = app.singleton = (function(){
    var Module = function(){}

    module.prototype.method1 = function(){}

    return new Module()
  }())

  var ModulePrototype = app.ModulePrototype = function(){
    var Module = function(){}

    module.prototype.method1 = function(){}

    return Module
  }
}(myApp = window.myApp ||{}))

Answer 4

When it comes to my coding needs, I typically utilize something along these lines.

(function(app, undefined){ 
  var module = app.module = (function(){
    var privatestuff

    return {}
  }())

  var singelton = app.singleton = (function(){
    var Module = function(){}

    module.prototype.method1 = function(){}

    return new Module()
  }())

  var ModulePrototype = app.ModulePrototype = function(){
    var Module = function(){}

    module.prototype.method1 = function(){}

    return Module
  }
}(myApp = window.myApp ||{}))

Optimal code structuring for a javascript plugin

Answer №1

Answer №2

Similar questions

The lookahead will only find a match if there are brackets present within the string

When using the onclick function, an unexpected behavior occurs where instead of displaying content, the page

React table row render error

Encountering issues when trying to access a property after setting an EJS variable in

javascript loop exhibiting unpredictable behavior when making ajax requests

Changing the content of a form with a personalized message

loading a module's dependencies seamlessly with RequireJS

Attempting to use express and nodemailer to send an email, but there is absolutely no output appearing in either the console or the terminal

Making adjustments to regular expressions

Using the Inline If-Else in AngularJS

Within the HTMLDivElement.drop, the parent element now encapsulates the new child element

Automatically hiding divs when clicked using HTML and CSS

Is it possible to verify whether a Node Js query is empty or not?

Can Cell be rendered into a targeted element?

What is the best way to retrieve an AJAX response in advance of sending it to a template when utilizing DATAT

Issue encountered while constructing an array within the component data following the 'created' event

"Unexpected behavior: NextAuth is failing to return defined custom scopes

Is there a way to use JavaScript to determine if GEARS is already installed on a system?

Invoking res.download() in the Express framework

'AngularJS' filtering feature