Dynamically creating keys/values in JavaScript associative array

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/351495/dynamically-creating-keys-in-javascript-associative-array

Somehow all examples, while work well, are overcomplicated:

• They use new Array(), which is an overkill (and an overhead) for a simple associative array (AKA dictionary).
• The better ones use new Object(). Works fine, but why all this extra typing?

This question is tagged "beginner", so let's make it simple.

The uber-simple way to use a dictionary in JavaScript or "Why JavaScript doesn't have a special dictionary object?":

// create an empty associative array (in JavaScript it is called ... Object)
var dict = {};   // huh? {} is a shortcut for "new Object()"

// add a key named fred with value 42
dict.fred = 42;  // we can do that because "fred" is a constant
                 // and conforms to id rules

// add a key named 2bob2 with value "twins!"
dict["2bob2"] = "twins!";  // we use the subscript notation because
                           // the key is arbitrary (not id)

// add an arbitrary dynamic key with a dynamic value
var key = ..., // insanely complex calculations for the key
    val = ...; // insanely complex calculations for the value
dict[key] = val;

// read value of "fred"
val = dict.fred;

// read value of 2bob2
val = dict["2bob2"];

// read value of our cool secret key
val = dict[key];

Now let's change values:

// change the value of fred
dict.fred = "astra";
// the assignment creates and/or replaces key-value pairs

// change value of 2bob2
dict["2bob2"] = [1, 2, 3];  // any legal value can be used

// change value of our secret key
dict[key] = undefined;
// contrary to popular beliefs assigning "undefined" does not remove the key

// go over all keys and values in our dictionary
for(key in dict){
  // for-in loop goes over all properties including inherited properties
  // let's use only our own properties
  if(dict.hasOwnProperty(key)){
    console.log("key = " + key + ", value = " + dict[key]);
  }
}

Deleting values is easy too:

// let's delete fred
delete dict.fred;
// fred is removed, the rest is still intact

// let's delete 2bob2
delete dict["2bob2"];

// let's delete our secret key
delete dict[key];

// now dict is empty

// let's replace it, recreating all original data
dict = {
  fred:    42,
  "2bob2": "twins!"
  // we can't add the original secret key because it was dynamic,
  // we can only add static keys
  // ...
  // oh well
  temp1:   val
};
// let's rename temp1 into our secret key:
if(key != "temp1"){
  dict[key] = dict.temp1; // copy the value
  delete dict.temp1;      // kill the old key
}else{
  // do nothing, we are good ;-)
}