Possible to get javascript object to return value instead of self?

Question

So I have this:

var setting = function (val,desc) {
    this.val = val;
    this.desc = desc;
};

var option = new setting(15,"This is a setting");

and I was wondering if I could get option to return value rather than the object.

I tried adding this to setting

var setting = function (val,desc) {
    this.val = vall;
    this.desc = desc;
    return this.val;
};

But it didn't work. Is it even possible? I'd like the option to return val, but still have option.val return val and option.desc to return desc.

this.val = val ? val : null is the same as this.val = val || null which can be just this.val = val in your context, since null == undefined — elclanrs
– elclanrs, Commented Dec 24, 2013 at 8:18

Entoarox · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-24 08:14:34Z

2

You can assign the toString method manually to overwrite what happens when the object is treated like a string.

Do note that although it will allow you to treat the object like a string, you cant rely on it acting like one in all situations, especially in situations where you can normally use string functions. (things like .split etc. will not work unless you define them manually)

answered Dec 24, 2013 at 8:14

Entoarox

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4 Comments

Dalton Gore Over a year ago

I tried adding this.prototype.toString = function(){ return this.val } but it didn't work.

Entoarox Over a year ago

@DaltonGore just this.toString no need for the prototype

Dalton Gore Over a year ago

I just tried it here, and it doesn't appear to be working:jsfiddle

Entoarox Over a year ago

@DaltonGore console.log is one of those exceptions I mentioned, try alert instead and it will work

user405398 · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-24 08:12:13Z

2

var option = (new setting(15,"This is a setting")).val;

is that enough?

answered Dec 24, 2013 at 8:12

user405398

1 Comment

Dalton Gore Over a year ago

Wouldn't that just assing option to 15, though?

Kirill · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-24 08:15:29Z

1

If a constructor function returns nothing, null, or any atomic / non-object value then said value is ignored and the newly created object reference is given back to the caller. so...

var setting = function (val,desc) {
    this.val = val ? val : null;
    this.desc = desc ? desc : null;
    return {val : this.val}
};

answered Dec 24, 2013 at 8:15

Kirill

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