send a variable to a function in a random sequence

In my code, I have a function defined as follows:

let showNotification = function(a,b,c,d,e,f){
  console.log(a,b,c,d,e,f);
}

When calling this function, it is crucial to pass parameters in the correct order. For example, if I want to omit values for c, d, and e:

showNotification(1,2,,,,6);

This method requires me to ensure that all parameters are passed in the proper sequence...

I am seeking a more efficient way to handle parameter passing in such cases.

Instead of passing individual values, another approach could involve using an object to represent the parameters like so:

let showNotification = function(objectParam){
console.log(objectParam.a, objectParam.b, objectParam.c, objectParam.d, objectParam.e, objectParam.f)
}

and then calling the function like this:

showNotification({a: 1, b: 2, e:6});

While it is possible to pass an entire object, creating an object every time might not be the desired solution.

Exploring different possibilities, I wonder if there is a way to pass string values without worrying about their order.

Although there are some discussions on Stack Overflow related to this issue, a definitive solution has yet to emerge.

Answer №1

@T,J. Crowder provides a more detailed explanation on this topic. Essentially, you can achieve the desired outcome by utilizing spread Operators. As mentioned, in this scenario, all parameters are optional except for the first one that needs to be passed. The other values can be omitted unless required, in which case their positions should be indicated as empty within an array. It is advisable to create either an object or an array.

For instance, if you have a dynamic array with specific values (position is crucial) such as [1,,,3], the spread operator can effectively combine this dynamic array with your function's parameters.

let showNotification = function(a,b,c,d,e,f){
  console.log(a,b,c,d,e,f);
};

let parts = [2,3,,,6]; // Assume it is a dynamic array at run-time
showNotification(1,...parts);


The insights from @Felix Kling also offer valuable input using Named Parameters.

var parameterfy = (function() {
    var pattern = /function[^(]*\(([^)]*)\)/;

    return function(func) {
        var args = func.toString().match(pattern)[1].split(/,\s*/);

        return function() {
            var named_params = arguments[arguments.length - 1];
            if (typeof named_params === 'object') {
                var params = [].slice.call(arguments, 0, -1);
                if (params.length < args.length) {
                    for (var i = params.length, l = args.length; i < l; i++) {
                        params.push(named_params[args[i]]);
                    }
                    return func.apply(this, params);
                }
            }
            return func.apply(null, arguments);
        };
    };
}());

var foo = parameterfy(function(a, b, c) {
    console.log('a is ' + a, ' | b is ' + b, ' | c is ' + c);     
});

foo(1, 2, 3); // a is 1  | b is 2  | c is 3
foo(1, {b:2, c:3}); // a is 1  | b is 2  | c is 3
foo(1, {c:3}); // a is 1  | b is undefined  | c is 3
foo({a: 1, c:3}); // a is 1  | b is undefined  | c is 3 

Additional resources:

Pass a value to a specific parameter without caring about the position of the parameter

Passing the argument name while calling function in JavaScript

JavaScript: Get Argument Value and NAME of Passed Variable

Answer №2

Bhushan Babar did not provide his suggestion as an answer, so I am sharing it here as a community wiki:

An alternative approach is to include tokens in your strings for the respective parameter - for example, if you want to pass parameter d and the string you are passing is "myString", you could use a token format like $&d&$, resulting in the parameter looking like "myString$&d&$"

Answer №3

In Summary: While you may have hesitations about using an object, it's worth noting that modern JavaScript engines are incredibly efficient at creating and disposing of objects quickly. With the added benefits of parameter defaults and parameter destructuring, utilizing an options object seems to be the most optimal solution for your scenario. Refer to the section on "Notes on passing in an object (defaults, destructuring)" below for more information.


You've explored two primary options so far (I'll provide insights on the object-passing version). Another approach involves a variation of the builder pattern, though it also necessitates the use of an object. While you've expressed reluctance towards this method, it's essential to consider that modern JavaScript engines handle object creation and disposal with exceptional speed, addressing any concerns you may have.

Using Marker Strings

An alternative option came to mind after reviewing Bhushan Babar's append/prepend suggestion: Instead of following that route, you could integrate marker strings into the arguments list to signify the subsequent argument, such as:

showNotification("the required parameter", "a", value_for_a, "c", value_for_c);

While this approach initially appears to bypass object creation, executing it will actually result in the generation of an object peculiar to modern JavaScript engines: arguments, which stores passed-in arguments as a pseudo-array. This is the only feasible way to manage such input, alongside a rest parameter, which likewise generates an object.

Alternative Builder Pattern

In this strategy, the main function returns a builder object outfitted with setters for different options, culminating in a final call signaling readiness to proceed (whereas the typical builder pattern triggers the construction of the final object). Application of this concept would resemble the following:

showNotification("the required param")
    .withA(value_for_a)
    .withC(value_for_c)
    .go();

While implementing this scheme may seem intricate compared to other methods, it is not inherently challenging.

Insights on Object-Based Implementation (Including Defaults and Destructuring)

If you opt for employing an object (despite reservations), default parameters and destructuring can enhance the object's usability significantly:

let showNotification = function({a = 1, b = 2, c = 3, d = 4, e = 5, f = 6} = {/*default if no object at all*/a: "foo"}){
  console.log(a,b,c,d,e,f);
};

showNotification();
showNotification({});
showNotification({a:42});

In one of your comments, you mentioned:

Here, all parameters are optional, except the first one.

This suggests that you likely require the initial parameter along with an options object:

let showNotification = function(firstThing, {a = "default_a", b = "default_b"/*etc.*/} = {}) {
  console.log(firstThing, a, b);
};

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