Executing array string as JS method

Question

I have the following code.
How can I execute the the clearSearch method as part of the methods Array?

//Assume this is in a different file, inside a controller. 
//I have access to the controller through a global variable.

function clearSearch() {
    console.log('Search cleared');
}

.

function Task() {
    this.controllers = [];
    this.stores = [];
    this.methods = [];
}

var taskList = [];

var task = new Task();
task.controllers.push('Search');
task.stores.push('search.Case', 'search.Result');
task.methods.push('clearSearch');

taskList.push(task);

I realize I'm pushing Strings, it's why I'm asking this question in the first place. — hermann
– hermann, Commented Feb 19, 2014 at 17:05

pid · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-19 16:51:51Z

4

If you have the function in your scope:

function clearSearch() { ... }

Then you should reference it by name not by the string and push that:

task.methods.push(clearSearch);

To execute it you can do now:

task.methods[i]();

Where i is the index of the desired function in the array.

answered Feb 19, 2014 at 16:51

pid

11.6k6 gold badges37 silver badges67 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

hermann Over a year ago

OK, however it is not in the scope, it's under a controller in a different file.

Sumner Evans · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-19 17:18:32Z

1

You can put the clearSearch function in an object like this:

var obj = {
    clearSearch: function () {
        console.log('Search cleared');
    }
};

Then you can call it like this:

obj['clearSearch']();

Fiddle

See this MDN Article on bracket notation for more information.

answered Feb 19, 2014 at 17:18

Sumner Evans

9,2055 gold badges32 silver badges48 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Executing array string as JS method

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related