General Javascript ? about identifying objects.

[rcraighead]

I've been using "aDoc.layers.getByName("Name")" to target various elements. Recently I notices many use "aDoc.layers["Name"]" and "aDoc.layers.Name" to target elements. I guess the square brackets is pulling from an array of names for the given object category. Why does "no brackets" work? I have noticed it only works when there are no spaces in the name. Is that correct? What are the pros and cons of each approach. Is there a "best practice"? I like the "no bracket" approach if I learned to think ahead and build templates with no space-names.

[pixxxelschubser · Accepted solution]

A more difficult stuff to understanding.

This is not a 'simple' Array notation - this is an associative array object as:

object = { 'string': 'value1' } is the same as

object ['string'] = 'value';

in array notation:

allLayers[theLayer.name] = theLayer;

allLayers["Layer5"] = theLayer;

another notation could be:

allLayers.Layer5 = theLayer;

[rcraighead]

I can't honestly say I understood a word of what you said, but I'll try to digest it. Thanks, pixxxel!

[pixxxelschubser]

It is as I mentioned before not an easy stuff. And it is not easy for me to describe it in a language which is not my mother language.

I try it anyway.

But maybe helpful: looking for the differences between an array vs an object.

Your example

app.active.document.layers

looks like an array. But it is an object. That why the layers name could work as an object "key" with his own properties.

see the following examples:

// "simple" array

var arr = ["one", "two", "three"]

alert(arr[0]); // one

alert(arr["one"]); // undefined

// object  or "array object"

var theLayers = app.activeDocument.layers; // be sure one layer name is Layer1 !!! without a space inbetween/before/behind the name

alert(theLayers); // [Layers]

alert(theLayers["Layer1"].name); // Layer1

alert(theLayers.Layer1.name); // Layer1

alert(theLayers.Layer1.visible); // true (or false)

alert(theLayers.Layer1.locked); // false (or true)

[pixxxelschubser]

Was that a better explanation?

Or do you still have questions about?

[rcraighead]

Yes, thank you! I was not referring to your command of English in the slightest! You do great. I am alluding to my own lack of programming knowledge. I appreciate all the help you, and others provide.