How to Properly Create and Reference Dynamic Variable Names in Scripts: A Guide for Developers

Discover how to dynamically manage and reference variable names in JavaScript to make your code more efficient and reusable. Learn through an illustrative example to streamline your coding process.
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How to Properly Create and Reference Dynamic Variable Names in Scripts: A Guide for Developers

Identifying the Problem

Consider a situation where you have multiple data points sourced from a database involving weekly snapshots of different locations (such as campuses). Initially, you might set up hard-coded arrays that separate these data points, like this:

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However, as your application grows, managing hard-coded arrays becomes increasingly cumbersome. The goal is to create these arrays dynamically so they adapt to changing data without additional effort from you as the developer.

Solution Overview

The solution involves restructuring your code to leverage objects and arrays more effectively. Instead of maintaining separate arrays for each location, we can employ an object whose keys are the dynamic variables (like campus codes) and keep the data general and flexible.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Fetch Site Information:
Start by querying your database to retrieve site information, converting this into an easily usable array of objects.

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Initialize a Dynamic Object to Store Trend Data:
Instead of separate arrays, use an object to store data for each campus.

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Process Snapshots:
Query the snapshots and populate the respective trend arrays using the campus codes dynamically.

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Add Live Data:
Fetch live data and append it to the appropriate trend list.

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Manage Workweek Data:
Collect unique workweeks and store them strategically.

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Final Code Example

Here's how your refactored function might look after implementing the above changes:

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Conclusion

By following this structured approach to dynamic variable names, you've streamlined your code significantly. This not only reduces redundancy but also makes it more adaptable for growth and changes in your data structure. As your application evolves, this method will save you from the pitfalls of maintaining multiple hard-coded variables, enhancing your development experience overall.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider refactoring your code as shown, and enjoy the benefits of clean, maintainable programming.