JavaScript: access array with the same name as a variable?

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Get variable from a string

I have an array called myArray and a variable which is called myVar. The myVar variable holds a value 'myArray' (value of myVar equals the arrays name). Can I somehow access the arrays elements using the myVar variable? Some code to explain what I mean:

var myArray = {1, 2, 3};
var myVar = "myArray";

Thanks!

"*I have an array called myArray*". In JavaScript, arrays can't have a name. The array you have is anonymous. — Šime Vidas, Dec 19 '12 at 15:00

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 19 '12 at 15:02

7

The key here is bracket notation.

If myArray is global

var myArray  = ["1","2","3"];
var myVar = "myArray";
console.log(window[myVar]);

better to use a namespace

var myData = {};
myData.myArray  = ["1","2","3"];
var myVar = "myArray";
console.log(myData[myVar]);

answered Dec 19 '12 at 15:02

epascarello

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Beat me by 7 seconds. Darn. (not that it's a competition, just found it funny our variance is numbers vs. letters. ;-) – Brad Christie Dec 19 '12 at 15:02

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 19 '12 at 15:02

If your array (myArray) is a global variable, then you can use window[myVar]. If it is a local variable, then the only way is to use eval(myVar) (or its analogs).

arr = window[myVar] // assuming myArray is a global variable
arr[0] = 5 // same as myArray[0] = 5

JavaScript: access array with the same name as a variable?

2 Answers2