javascript setting objects equal

Question

this is working the way I want, however I am a bit confused why it works.

I have two objects. set temp object equal to object A and manipulate temp object. Object A is affected.

set temp object equal to Object B (why aren't all three objects equal now?) I manipulate temp object. Object A is not affected.

var tempObject = {};
var objectA = {A: 1};
var objectB = {A: 3};

$( document ).ready(function() {
    tempObject = objectA; 
    add(tempObject);
    console.log(objectA);
    tempObject = objectB;
    add(tempObject);
    console.log(objectA);  
    
   function add(arr){
     arr.A += 1;
   }
   
});

<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.1/jquery.min.js"></script>

samanime · Accepted Answer · 2018-01-23 21:59:51Z

5

When you deal with objects in JavaScript, it's always by-reference. It's kind of analogous to pointers in C/C++.

When you set tempObject to objectA, you are basically saying "tempObject now points to the same object as objectA". So, if you change a property of one, you change both.

When you then set tempObject to objectB, you are saying "tempObject now points to the same object as objectB". You aren't changing any of the objects with this, just which object tempObject is pointing to.

answered Jan 23, 2018 at 21:59

samanime

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Angel Politis · Accepted Answer · 2018-01-23 21:59:28Z

3

When you set tempObject to objectB, it ceases being a reference toobjectA and now refers to objectB. Thus, when you make changes to tempObject, objectA is not affected, but objectB is.

answered Jan 23, 2018 at 21:59

Angel Politis

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