How do call a javascript function from its method name in string?

Question

Does anybody know how to call a javascript function such as

function sampleCallback() {
      alert("hello");
}

from a string "sampleCallback()"?

I have a multidimensional array like so:

hintSlidesArray = [
                    [{ "element": "noelement" }, { "hintMessage": "Welcome"}, "callback": "sampleCallback" }],
                  ];

And would like to pass the callback string to it so that I can run it from where im reading the array.

I've managed to use window[callback](); where callback is my method name. This is the most recommended setting and Eval is not! — Kevin Vella
– Kevin Vella, Commented May 18, 2012 at 9:52

ThiefMaster · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-18 09:49:46Z

4

Any global variables - including functions - are properties of the global object. In a browser environment this is window. So you can use the array subscript syntax to access the property you are looking for:

window[hintSlidesArray[0][2].callback]();

If you need to specify a value for this, you can use .call() or .apply():

window[hintSlidesArray[0][2].callback].call(value_for_this);

However, you should really consider storing the function instead of its name in your object. If the function is already defined in the current scope (or the global scope) when creating the object, this is as easy as removing the quotes from the function name.

answered May 18, 2012 at 9:49

ThiefMaster

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Comments

antyrat · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-18 09:49:13Z

0

You can use call or apply method. For example:

hintSlidesArray[0][2].callback.call(this)

answered May 18, 2012 at 9:49

antyrat

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1 Comment

James Allardice Over a year ago

hintSlidesArray[0][2].callback is a string. It doesn't have a call or apply method.

Deviprasad Das · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-18 09:57:57Z

0

You can call the javascript function using window object:

var functionResult = window[myFunctionName];

answered May 18, 2012 at 9:57

Deviprasad Das

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