Is it more efficient to define a variable or call a method from an object?

Question

Is it more efficient to define a variable or call a method from an object?

Which approach is more effective and why?

Option 1: Declaring a variable

exampleFunction(requestData: Object) {
  const username = requestData.username;

  doSomething(username);
}

Option 2: Accessing the object property directly

exampleFunction(requestData: Object) {
  doSomething(requestData.username);
}

Consider a scenario where the code exceeds 50 lines and the 'username' variable is utilized multiple times. In such cases, is it more efficient to use the 'username' variable repeatedly or access 'requestData.username' multiple times?

angular typescript

Answer 1

Answer №1

The V8 Javascript Engine goes through optimization processes before executing the code, such as checking for variables that can be deleted or identifying patterns to reduce the overall processing load.

When using the V8 engine (e.g., Chrome or NodeJS), there are usually no memory issues regardless of which form you choose to use.

Even in cases where optimization isn't carried out, the additional cost for simple data types like pointers or primitive variables is minimal – only a few bytes.

However, when it comes to transmitting code, every character matters. Since JavaScript isn't compiled and needs to be sent to the client's computer for execution, factors like spaces, indentation, and semicolons affect the time taken for transfer.

To minimize this transfer cost, you can consider compressing and minifying your code, though this type of optimization is not always applied.

In practical scenarios, these choices typically don't have a significant impact on performance. So, I recommend prioritizing code readability based on personal preferences rather than focusing solely on other parameters.

Answer 2

The V8 Javascript Engine goes through optimization processes before executing the code, such as checking for variables that can be deleted or identifying patterns to reduce the overall processing load.

When using the V8 engine (e.g., Chrome or NodeJS), there are usually no memory issues regardless of which form you choose to use.

Even in cases where optimization isn't carried out, the additional cost for simple data types like pointers or primitive variables is minimal – only a few bytes.

However, when it comes to transmitting code, every character matters. Since JavaScript isn't compiled and needs to be sent to the client's computer for execution, factors like spaces, indentation, and semicolons affect the time taken for transfer.

To minimize this transfer cost, you can consider compressing and minifying your code, though this type of optimization is not always applied.

In practical scenarios, these choices typically don't have a significant impact on performance. So, I recommend prioritizing code readability based on personal preferences rather than focusing solely on other parameters.

Answer 3

Answer №2

When it comes to refactoring, Martin Fowler introduced a technique known as Replace Temp with Query.

After implementing this technique, you can explore the second variant.

cloneFullProject(requestData: Object) {
  doSomething(requestData.username);
}

However, another issue arises which is commonly referred to as the Middle Man smell.

In this particular example, it would be advisable to completely eliminate this method :)

Nevertheless, there are instances where using the initial approach is more suitable. For instance: when you have multiple methods that require the requestData.username parameter.

exampleFunction(requestData: Object) {
  const username = requestData.username;

  doSomething1(username);
  doSomething2(username);
  ...
}

In such scenarios, employing a temporary variable is justified.

Answer 4

When it comes to refactoring, Martin Fowler introduced a technique known as Replace Temp with Query.

After implementing this technique, you can explore the second variant.

cloneFullProject(requestData: Object) {
  doSomething(requestData.username);
}

However, another issue arises which is commonly referred to as the Middle Man smell.

In this particular example, it would be advisable to completely eliminate this method :)

Nevertheless, there are instances where using the initial approach is more suitable. For instance: when you have multiple methods that require the requestData.username parameter.

exampleFunction(requestData: Object) {
  const username = requestData.username;

  doSomething1(username);
  doSomething2(username);
  ...
}

In such scenarios, employing a temporary variable is justified.

Answer 5

Answer №3

Advantages of the initial choice:

The code is easy to read
You have the ability to debug and verify values before passing them to another method

Disadvantages of the initial choice:

It may create extra variables that are not needed and use up more memory

Answer 6

Advantages of the initial choice:

The code is easy to read
You have the ability to debug and verify values before passing them to another method

Disadvantages of the initial choice:

It may create extra variables that are not needed and use up more memory

Answer 7

Answer №4

Firstly, it is important to note that you are not duplicating an object, but rather referencing it. The proper method for duplication is using Object.assign(), lodash _.cloneDeep(), spread operator, or a similar approach.

For further information on this topic, you can visit this page.

Regarding the question at hand, when dealing with a single variable in such a concise function, both methods provide equal readability.

In my opinion, due to the brevity of the method, I would opt for the latter approach as it allows for a clearer understanding of which object property is being passed to the method without having to read the code backwards.

Personally, and based on common practice, destructuring appears to be the most organized way that other developers would anticipate in your code:

const { username, var1, var2 } = requestData;

Answer 8

Firstly, it is important to note that you are not duplicating an object, but rather referencing it. The proper method for duplication is using Object.assign(), lodash _.cloneDeep(), spread operator, or a similar approach.

For further information on this topic, you can visit this page.

Regarding the question at hand, when dealing with a single variable in such a concise function, both methods provide equal readability.

In my opinion, due to the brevity of the method, I would opt for the latter approach as it allows for a clearer understanding of which object property is being passed to the method without having to read the code backwards.

Personally, and based on common practice, destructuring appears to be the most organized way that other developers would anticipate in your code:

const { username, var1, var2 } = requestData;

Answer 9

Answer №5

Essentially, this question is subjective in nature. Therefore, the response provided below represents solely my personal viewpoint.

Initially, it seems that an additional variable is being utilized unnecessarily since it is not further processed within the same block. In such a case, I would suggest opting for the latter option, which involves directly accessing properties and is also considered to be more easily readable in your specific scenario.
On the other hand, if you find yourself working with code that exceeds 60 lines (or a similar threshold) and the variable is referenced multiple times across various sections, choosing the former approach with an extra variable might prove advantageous as it allows for simpler processing with reduced or safer typing.

Answer 10

Essentially, this question is subjective in nature. Therefore, the response provided below represents solely my personal viewpoint.

Initially, it seems that an additional variable is being utilized unnecessarily since it is not further processed within the same block. In such a case, I would suggest opting for the latter option, which involves directly accessing properties and is also considered to be more easily readable in your specific scenario.
On the other hand, if you find yourself working with code that exceeds 60 lines (or a similar threshold) and the variable is referenced multiple times across various sections, choosing the former approach with an extra variable might prove advantageous as it allows for simpler processing with reduced or safer typing.

Is it more efficient to define a variable or call a method from an object?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

Answer №5

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