Confusion
A common error in JavaScript programs is to use an object when an array is required
or an array when an object is required. The rule is simple: when the property names
are small sequential integers, you should use an array. Otherwise, use an object.
how to distinguish between arrays and objects?
JavaScript does not have a good mechanism for distinguishing between arrays and
objects. We can work around that deficiency by defining our own is_array function:
is_array=function(value){ return value && (typeof value)==="object" && value.constructor=Array }
Unfortunately, it fails to identify arrays that were constructed in a different window
or frame. If we want to accurately detect those foreign arrays, we have to work a little
harder:
is_array=function(value){ return Object.prototype.toString.apply(value)==="[Object Array]"; }
Because an array is also an object,so we can add methods directory to an individual array:
var data=[1,2,3];
data.total=function(){
var result=0;
for(var i=0;i<this.length;i++){
result+=this[i];
}
return result;
}
data.total();//return 6;
Since the string "total" is not an integer,so adding a total property to an array does not change its length.