Javascript: Sorting Objects Challenge

Question

I have a bit of a challenge. I am working on a physics application with javascript. The two main objects being used are

var force = new Object();
var torque = new Object();
with properties
force.magnitude = newArray();
force.lengthfromorigin = new Array();
force.count;
torque.lengthfromorigin= new Array();
torque.count;

now, I'd like to sort these two objects into an array based on their respective lengthfromorigins

Example: force.lengthfromorigin = [5,8] and torque.lengthfromorigin=[2,6] so their order in this newArray would be [ torque[0], force[0], torque[1], force[1] ]

My question is it possible to have an array of different objects sorted by their respective properties, and to then use this array in a function which will make decisions based on which object is at the index. Also will I need to have an id property in each respective object to identify if the object is a torque or force.

Example:

if(newArray[i] == torque)
    //do stuff
else
    //do other stuff.

1) likely, 2) please use your first example in the next example — mplungjan
– mplungjan, Commented Oct 19, 2013 at 4:43
I think you're trying to solve too much at once. I'd start by coding a sorting method for an array of integers, then work your way up from there. — musical_coder
– musical_coder, Commented Oct 19, 2013 at 4:44

plalx · Accepted Answer · 2013-10-19 05:17:09Z

2

Something like this perhaps?

Let me explain the algorithm:

Create a new array let it be called A.
For each objects in objects:

2.1 Let the current object be called obj.

2.2 Use map to generate a new array called tuples of [obj, num] tuples for each lengthFromOrigin numbers of obj.

3.3 Push all items of tuples into A.
Sort A on tuple[1] (which is the number) ascending.

var objects = [
        { type: 'force', lengthFromOrigin: [5, 8] },
        { type: 'torque', lengthFromOrigin: [2, 6] }
    ],
    sorted = objects.reduce(function (arr, obj) {
        arr.push.apply(arr, obj.lengthFromOrigin.map(function (num) {
            return [obj, num];
        }));

        return arr;           
    }, []).sort(function (a, b) {
        return a[1] - b[1];    
    });

console.log(sorted);

Then you can loop over sorted and easily identify if it's a torque or force by looking at the first element in the tuple.

sorted.forEach(function (tuple) {
    console.log(tuple[0].type, tuple[1]);
});

//torque 2
//force 5
//torque 6
//force 8

edited Oct 19, 2013 at 5:17

answered Oct 19, 2013 at 4:46

plalx

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1 Comment

plalx Over a year ago

@bala, You can obviously encapsulate the algorithm in a function if you plan to do this often ;)

user2895046 · Accepted Answer · 2013-10-19 04:54:32Z

0

The answer is Yes,

But you have to identify each object before you access their properties. In your case Both of the objects have a common property called lengthfromorigin which can be used to sort them properly.

To identify each object you can use a property like ID or Name.

if(Mydata[i].Name = 'torque'){
  //your code goes here
}
else if(Mydata[i].Name = 'force'){
  //your code goes here
}

Hope this will help you

answered Oct 19, 2013 at 4:54

user2895046

1 Comment

jfriend00 Over a year ago

Why not just use object oriented principles and put a commonly named method on each object type that can execute the desired code for that type of object so you don't have to look at what type it is?

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