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Get JavaScript object from array of objects by value of property

javascript
array-methods
filter
find
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita BarsukovยทAug 24, 2024
โšกTLDR

The JavaScript Array.prototype.find() method can help you to retrieve an object by a specific property value.

Let's fetch Bob by his id:

const array = [{ id: 1, name: 'Alice' }, { id: 2, name: 'Bob' }]; const bob = array.find(member => member.id === 2); // bob: { id: 2, name: 'Bob' }, Bob was playing hide and seek! Here he is!

Pro tip: Give find() a function, let it do the find and seek! ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ

The fine art of finding more

Need to find all objects matching a condition? Use Array.prototype.filter():

const candidates = array.filter(member => member.id < 3); // candidates: [{ id: 1, name: 'Alice' }, { id: 2, name: 'Bob' }], the under 3 club

Choose wisely: find() or filter()

find() is the efficient search hound, stopping as soon as it sniffs out a match. Ideal when you expect a unique object. filter() is the collector, gathering all matches in a neat array. Perfect when there are multiple matches.

Dynamic property search: flexible and versatile

You can search for objects with dynamic property names. Example:

const property = 'name'; const seeker = 'Alice'; const dynamicFind = array.find(item => item[property] === seeker); // dynamicFind: { id: 1, name: 'Alice' }, Alice can't hide anymore!

Prepare to meet the undefinables

find() might return undefined when there are no matches. Ensure to check the output:

if(foundObject) { // Object exists, time to pop the champagne! } else { // Object doesn't exist, better luck next time champ! }

Object finding: The techniques and tricks

Destructuring to the rescue

Use destructuring for providing cleaner readable code:

const bob = array.find(({ id }) => id === 2); // bob: { id: 2, name: 'Bob' }, destructuring is cool, isn't it Bob?

When the position matters more: findIndex()

If you want the position, not the object:

const pos = array.findIndex(member => member.id === 2); // pos: 1, Bob's hideout revealed!

Overcoming common obstacles

  • Non-existent properties: Avoid trouble, ensure properties exist before making checks.
  • Type Coercion: Avoid funny surprises by using === for strict comparison.
  • Nested properties: Unwrap nested properties correctly to reach the goal.

Performance: When efficiency matters

Avoid the old-fashioned loops and embrace find() and filter(). It will improve your code's performance, making old for-loops look like old sailboats racing with speedboats. ๐Ÿšค

Taking care of the old folks: Code compatibility

When working with older browsers, remember they might not support find() or arrow functions. Use Babel to transpile your code and make it understandable for our elderly browsers.