Can't change a class variable within javascript function - javascript

The method, foo() is called, sx++ won't change. When I alert(sx) I get NaN. Should I define the method using prototype?
function fooClass(sx) {
this.sx = sx;
this.foo = function() {
if(booleanIsTrue) this.sx++;
};
}
*Ignore syntax errors, if any. This is not a copy paste. It is correct in my project.
Moving sx++ out side the if statement works.
Any ideas as to why this is happening?

As you said this looks like a case were you would want to use the prototype chain instead of creating new functions for each object created by the function. That would look like this
var FooClass = function (sx) {
this.sx = sx;
};
FooClass.prototype.foo = function () {
if (booleanIsTrue) { //Where is booleanIsTrue coming from?
this.sx++;
}
};
var a = new FooClass(0);
a.foo();
console.log(a.sx); //1

You're having this problem because you're adding to the wrong variable. You want to change the class variable sx.
As someone pointed out, class is a reserved word, usually you use klass instead.
Also, you should be using {}, try entering you code into JSLint and see what it returns.
Try this out:
function klass(sx) {
this.sx = sx;
this.foo = function(booleanIsTrue) {
if(booleanIsTrue === true) {
this.sx++;
}
};
}
var a = new klass(3);
a.foo(true);
console.log(a.sx); // 4

Related

Newly created objects call to constructor undefined if constructor is inside another function

I just learned OOP and there is one little thing that I am not able to solve. The problem is a scope issue of some sort.
If I create a new object then how will I be able to give it access to my constructor function if the constructor function is inside another function? Right now I get undefined. Storing the function in a global variable wont do the job.
var example = new something x(parameter);
example.i();
var getFunction;
var onResize = function() {
getFunction = function something(parameter) {
this.i= (function parameter() {
// Does something
});
};
};
window.addEventListener('resize', onResize);
onResize();
For OOP javascript, the pattern should be like this.
//defining your 'class', class in quotes since everything is just functions, objects, primitives, and the special null values in JS
var Foo = function (options) {
// code in here will be ran when you call 'new', think of this as the constructor.
//private function
var doSomething = function () {
}
//public function
this.doSomethingElse = function () {
}
};
//actual instantiation of your object, the 'new' keyword runs the function and essentially returns 'this' within the function at the end
var foo = new Foo(
{
//options here
}
)
If I understand you, you want to know how to access variables inside another function. Your attempt is reasonable, but note that getFunction is not bound until after onResize is called. Here's a bit of a cleaner demo:
var x;
function y() {
// The value is not bound until y is called.
x = function(z) {
console.log(z);
}
}
y();
x('hello');
A common JavaScript pattern is to return an object that represents the API of a function. For example:
function Y() {
var x = function(z) {
console.log(z);
}
return {
x: x
};
}
var y = Y();
y.x('hello');
You should definitely read up on the basic concepts of JavaScript. Your code and terminology are both sloppy. I'd recommend Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja. It does a good job explaining scope and functions, two tricky topics in JavaScript.

Javascript OOP and Classes Problems

I wanted to rearrange my Code to OOP, but I am not able to figure out my errors here, especially since they appear correct according to different Tutorials and examples.
I suppose I misunderstand something of JS´s, object-instantiation and Call stack.
I will provide some examples, which I don´t understand.
What I want here is to do some operations on an Array and then get it to an other class.
https://jsfiddle.net/8g22nj8y/1/
<script>
$(document).ready(function() {
var p = new Parser();
p.init();
p.getArray();
p.getArray2();
p.get3();
}</script>
function Parser() {
var myArray = [];
this.myArray2 = [];
thisReference = this;
this.myArray3=[];
return {
init: function () {
alert("huhu");
this.parse2();
parse();
},
getArray: function () {
alert(thisReference.myArray2.length);
},
getArray2: function () {
alert(myArray);
}
}
function parse() {
var arr = [1, 2, 3];
myArray.push(arr);
myArray2.push(arr);
for(var i =0;i<10;i++){
a=[];
a.push(i);
thisReference.myArray3.push(a);
}
}}Parser.prototype.parse2 = function () {
var arr = [1, 2, 3];
myArray.push(arr);
this.myArray2.push(arr);};
Independent how I run it, it always says that this.parse2() is not a function.
When I am only using parse(), it says that myArray2 is undefined, althought it´s clearly there - just as "class variable". If I change myArray2 in parse() to thisReference.myArray2 it´s working.
Why? I thought an inner Function - which parse() clearly is, is able to grab all the variable in the outer function - in this case Parser(). When I am now using myArray3 either if it´s used with thisReference or with this. "it is not defined".
If I call parse2 with thisReference it´s working, but then "myArray is not defined", yes it´s an local variable but it´s in the same class and if I call parse() I am able to use it without problems.
Furthermore:
simplified: https://jsfiddle.net/Lzaudhxw/1/
function Syntax(){
var mine = new Lex();
myRef=this;
}
Class1.prototype.foo=function(){
myRef.mine.setFunc(5);
myRef.mine.publicFunc();}
function Lex(){
this.x, this.h=1;
return{
publicFunc: function(param){
this.h;
this.x;
},
setFunc: function(x){
this.x=x;
}
}
Initially I set h to be 1. If I now instantiiate Syntax and call from that the publicFunc from Lex both are undefined. But if I run foo() from Syntax and call the publicFunc again, x is set to the value and h is undefined. Why is it not possible to predefine an varriable (in this case h) like that and then use it?
EDIT to Jan´s Answer:
I read in many Tutorials and some production code that you should store "this" into an variable. Why should myRef point to anything else than the Syntax Object? :O
Why is myRef not an variable of Syntax? Does it have to be this.myRef?
Ahh right, var means local, so mine is only accessiable in the constructor?!
I didn´t wanted to init "x", only define it.
Ahh with return{} I am creating a new class/object, then it´s clear that this. does not point to the above vars. But to introduce an myRef=this should do the job, right?
...So, it´s wiser to use prototype to add functions instead of an inner function?
Yeah you've got a bunchload of JS concepts wrong. I suggest you read the documentation. Tried adding a few explanations.
function Syntax(){
// Since you're returning a new object from "Lex" straight away, there's
// little point of using "new" here
var mine = new Lex();
// Why store "this" here? "this" will be accessible from your prototype
// methods pointing to your object instance... Provided you use "new Syntax()",
// Otherwise "myRef" will (probably) point to the global object.
myRef=this;
}
// Where's "Class1"? You don't have a Class1 function anywhere. You probably mean "Syntax"
Class1.prototype.foo=function() {
// "myRef" is not a property of "Syntax", so it wouldn't be accessible here.
// Furthermore, "mine" is declared as a variable above, so it wouldn't be
// accessible in this manner even if "myRef" pointed to "this" (which it doesn't).
myRef.mine.setFunc(5);
myRef.mine.publicFunc();
}
function Lex(){
// This is a correct property declaration of h. You're not setting the
// value of x here though, just calling it. Javascript allows "trying"
// to call ANY property of ANY object without giving neither a compilation
// nor runtime error, so calling the undefined "this.x" here is valid.
// It just won't do anything.
this.x, this.h=1;
// Here you return a new object straight off, so the below "this" will point
// to the object below, not the "Lex" object defined above. So your above
// defined "this.h" will not be used, it's a property of a different object.
return {
publicFunc: function(param){
this.h;
this.x;
},
setFunc: function(x){
this.x=x;
}
}
// You're missing a closing bracket here.
What you're probably trying to do would look something like this with correct Javascript syntax
function Syntax(){
this.mine = Lex();
}
Syntax.prototype.foo=function() {
this.mine.setFunc(5);
this.mine.publicFunc();
}
function Lex() {
return {
h:1,
publicFunc: function(){
console.log(this.h);
console.log(this.x);
},
setFunc: function(x){
this.x=x;
}
}
}
var s = new Syntax();
s.foo();
But returning an object from Lex would be pretty impractical in most cases. So what you really REALLY want to do is probably
function Syntax(){
this.mine = new Lex();
}
Syntax.prototype.foo = function() {
this.mine.setFunc(5);
this.mine.publicFunc();
}
function Lex() {
this.h = 1;
}
Lex.prototype = {
publicFunc: function(){
console.log(this.h);
console.log(this.x);
},
setFunc: function(x){
this.x=x;
}
};
var s = new Syntax();
s.foo();

JavaScript: that vs this

I am trying to understand better the use of that and this in JavaScript. I am following Douglas Crockford's tutorial here: http://javascript.crockford.com/private.html
but I am confused regarding a couple of things. I have given an example below, and I would like to know if I am making a correct use of them:
function ObjectC()
{
//...
}
function ObjectA(givenB)
{
ObjectC.call(this); //is the use of this correct here or do we need that?
var aa = givenB;
var that = this;
function myA ()
{
that.getA(); //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
}
this.getA = function() //is the use of this correct?
{
console.log("ObjectA");
};
}
function ObjectB()
{
var that = this;
var bb = new ObjectA(that); //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
this.getB = function()
{
return bb;
};
that.getB(); //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
}
Note this is just an example.
this in JavaScript always refers to current object, method of which was called. But sometimes you need to access this of your object in deeper. For example, in callbacks. Like so:
function MyClass() {
this.a = 10;
this.do = function() {
http.get('blablabla', function(data) {
this.a = data.new_a;
});
};
}
It will not work, because this in callback may refer to http, to some dom element or just window(which is really common). So, it is common solution to define self or that, an alias for this or your object, so you can refer it anywhere inside.
function MyClass() {
var self = this;
this.a = 10;
this.do = function() {
http.get('blablabla', function(data) {
self.a = data.new_a;
});
};
}
This should give you vision why it is used and how it should be used.
There is no other reasons(currect me if I'm wrong) to create special variable, you can use this to send your object to other objects and do things, many assignments, such logic, wow...
ObjectC.call(this); //is the use of this correct here or do we need that?
The first thing you need to understand is how the this keyword works. It's value depends on how the function/method/constructor is called.
In this case, function ObjectA is a constructor, so you can just use this inside the code of it. In fact, with var that = this; you declare them to be absolutely identical (unless you use that before assigning to it).
function myA() {
that.getA(); //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
}
Again, it depends on how the function is called - which you unfortunately have not show us. If if was a method of the instance, this would have been fine; but but it seems you will need to use that.
this.getA = function() //is the use of this correct?
As stated above, using that would not make any difference.
var bb = new ObjectA(that) //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
var that = this;
that is undefined when it is used here. And it would be supposed to have the same value as this anyway. Better use this.
that.getB(); //is the use of that correct or do we need this?
Again, both have the same effect. But since you don't need that, you should just use this.
Everything is correct except for :
function ObjectB()
{
var bb = new ObjectA(that) //this is wrong
var that = this;
this.getB = function()
{
return bb;
};
that.getB();
}
You are missing ; and that isn't declare.
You need that (in your case, this is the variable name you use) when you want to use this in another scope :
function ObjectB()
{
var that = this;
// here 'this' is good
function()
{
// Here 'this' doesn't refer to the 'this' you use in function ObjectB()
// It's not the same scope
// You'll need to use 'that' (any variable from the ObjectB function that refers to 'this')
};
// Here 'that' = 'this', so there is no difference in using one or another
}
What "that" is in this context is simply a variable that is equal to "this". That means saying "that" is exactly the same as saying "this", which makes in unnecessarily complicating.
This code:
var that=this;
that.getA();
Will yield the same result as this code:
this.getA();
Having a variable to represent "this" just complicates things when you can just say "this".

How to change function inside constructor in JavaScript?

I need to edit the function which locates inside of the constructor.
Example:
some.thing = function() {
this.somefn = function() { // this is the function that I need to fix
...
}
}
But function should be edited not just only for a single object (new obj = some.thing();) but also for any created objects by this constructor.
So is there any way to edit such inner-functions?
Here is a solution based on prototype:
var Something = function () {
this.f = function () {
console.log("Something");
};
};
var Old = Something;
var Something = function () {
Old.apply(this);
this.f = function () {
console.log("New");
};
};
Something.prototype = new Old();
var s = new Something();
s.f(); // prints "New"
The solutions seem just a little too obvious, so I'm wondering if the trouble is that you don't have access to the original code, and you need a more dynamic solution.
If so, one option may be to override the constructor with your own constructor, and have it call the original, and then update the object.
Original code:
some.thing = function() {
this.somefn = function() { // this is the function that I need to fix
...
}
}
Your code:
// cache a reference to the original constructor
var _thing = some.thing;
// your constructor
some.thing = function() {
// invoke the original constructor on the new object.
_thing.apply(this, arguments);
this.somefn = function() { /*your updated function*/ };
};
// maintain inheritance
some.thing.prototype = Object.create(some.thing.prototype);
// make an instance
var theThing = new some.thing();
Now you're getting the benefit of the original constructor and prototype chain, but you're injecting your own function on to the objects being created.
Only trouble may be that the original function you replaced could make special use of the original constructor's variable scope. If that's the case, there would be an issue to resolve.
It would be possible to retain and invoke the original method that you overwrote before invoking yours. Not sure if this situation calls for that or not.
I exactly know your need cause last week I passed through it. I just implemented a complete inheritance model in javascript and as far as I remember, I had a problem with overriding constructors and calling the parent class's ctor when child class is initializing.
So I just solved the problem with modifing some points in my design and it's now working like a charm! (something like C# but in Javascript)
By the way, I don't suggest you to change a method contents this way, but here is a way to do that (I myself did not do that this way and AGIAIN I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. THERE ARE MANY OTHER WAYS, BUT THIS IS THE EASIEST):
var test = function() { /*InjectionPlace*/ };
eval("var newTest = " + test.toString().replace(
"/*InjectionPlace*/",
"var i = 10; alert(i);"
));
test();
newTest();
Cheers

Executing Javascript functions by reference

I'm wondering if any of yall have any insight as to how one could execute a function by reference in javascript.
http://mootools.net/shell/yL93N/1/
Any discussion would be cool.
-Chase
looking at your mooshell, the way i'd handle it in mootools is this:
http://mootools.net/shell/yL93N/10/
var proxyFunction = new Class({
message: "hello",
Binds: ['passByReference','sayit'],
passByReference: function(func) {
// console.log(this, this[func]);
if (this[func] && $type(this[func]) === "function")
this[func]();
},
sayit: function() {
alert(this.message);
},
killit: function() {
document.write('we\'re dead');
}
});
$('tryit').addEvent('change',function(e){
new proxyFunction().passByReference(this.get('value'));
});
// or have a permanent proxy instance if you call methods of the class often and need it to change things.
var proxy = new proxyFunction();
$('tryit').addEvent('change',function(e){
proxy.passByReference(this.get('value'));
});
the advantage of doing so is that all your proxied functions are behind a common object, don't pollute your window namespace as global variables and can share data that relates to the event.
Not exactly sure what you mean, but you can do this:
var func = window.alert;
var args = ["hello world"]
func.apply(window, args)
Globally-defined functions (and variables) are visible as members of the global window object.
Members of an object can be fetched by name using the square bracket notation: o['k'] is the same as o.k. So, for your example:
var function_name= $(this).val();
window[function_name]();
Like this?
function blah() {
...do stuff
}
myref = blah
myref()
The best way is to do:
func.call();
Function variables in JavaScript already are references. If you have a function:
var explode = function() { alert('boom!'); };
You can pass explode around as an argument, and it's only passing a handle to that function, not the entire function body.
For proof of this, try:
explode.id = 5;
var detonate = explode;
alert(detonate.id); // => 5
explode.id = 6;
alert(detonate.id); // => 6
functions are first class objects in Java Script. Effectively this means that you can treat it very much as if it were a variable, and pass it anywhere that you would expect a variable.
e.g.
var myFn = function() { alert('inside anonymous fn'); }
function callMyFn(paramFn)
{
paramFn();
}
callMyFn(myFn); //inside anonymous fn
function MyFnHolders(argFn)
{
this.argFn = argFn;
this.fieldFn = function() {
alert('inside fn field');
}
}
var myFnHolders = new MyFnHolders(myFn);
myFnHolders.argFn(); //'inside anonymous fn'
myFnHolders.fieldFn(); //'inside fn field'
//etc
so passing a function by ref can be done simply by assigning it to a variable and passing it around.
Here's one with a closure for your arguments...
function Runner(func, args) {
return function() { return func.apply(window, args); };
}
var ref = new Runner(window.alert, ["hello world"]);
ref();

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