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

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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
– Šime Vidas, Commented Dec 19, 2012 at 15:00

epascarello · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-19 15:02:10Z

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, 2012 at 15:02

epascarello

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1 Comment

Brad Christie Over a year ago

Beat me by 7 seconds. Darn. (not that it's a competition, just found it funny our variance is numbers vs. letters. ;-)

Artem Sobolev · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-19 15:02:59Z

3

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

answered Dec 19, 2012 at 15:02

Artem Sobolev

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