summary or simplification of javascript coding style

http://javascript.crockford.com/code.html

summary or simplification of javascript coding style:

1. keys of keys:

a. declare variables in the beginning of the function (like old C style)
(i) this can be important to avoid confusion. Javascript variable has no block scope
---------however, I must add that this is a uphill battle with Java (and now some C# people who have really reinvented themselves from VB6 -- this is a very good interview question for C# people -- if they worked in C# for a while, then, they know; otherwise, they will still use VB6 style) guys. I myself cannot do it. So, I will not do it. I will keep it in mind, but I will do it java style (and modern C++ style also)-- i.e., when I use it, I declare it. I do not declare it before I use it. ---- this actually can help prevent from declaring a variable -- now, it is easy, I always var it; otherwise, I have to check whether I var-ed it or not in the beginning of the function.

b. First line does not start from a new line
(i) this is to avoid semicolon insertion
(ii) which can create the "return null problem" (return null when the value is not the same line with "return")


c.
update: I found another good one: always put "," at the beginning of the line for array elements. This way, you will not forget to add it or remove it when cut/paste. Forget removing ',' is especially bad, becuase firefox is fine, but IE will freak out -- long after you have done the coding!

2. Keys:

a. === and !==: use them most of the time, instead of == and != (also: use the old c trick, 3 === myVarv ------ update: forget about it; does not work! Also, it seems that it is not intuitive, against rule of literate programming. Further, the "===" has a strong psychological effect, you will not use "=" within if anymore! ---- also, within if etc, there should never be valid "=". All those can eliminate the problem -- hepefully).

(i) It is almost always better to use the === and !== operators. The == and != operators do type coercion. In particular, do not use == to compare against falsy values.
(ii) note: if you use ==, if one of them is a number, then, if the other is a string, the string will be changed to a number.

b. + sign as parseInt (+ is necessary because other wise it will be a string if one of them is string!)
total = subtotal + +myInput.value;
is better written as
total = subtotal + (+myInput.value);


3. You must do, but you will remember when you need them:

a. use object.hasOwnProperty(variable) to get the "true members"

for (variable in object) { if (object.hasOwnProperty(variable)) { statements; } }

b. "do" block: it needs ";" (unlike while or for)
(this is important only because we must not forget the ;
because inserting ; by compliler is bad thing -- see above return null issue)

do { statements; } while (condition);

c. "with Statement" -- never use it!

The with statement should not be used.
use a variable, and assign the namespace/class name to the variable:

var o = ooo.eee.oo.ah_ah.ting.tang.walla.walla;
o.bing = true;
o.bang = true;


4. Nice to do:

a. No m_ or _ etc. for private members
---- because javascript has no such concept.
---- sse the right provate mechanism, so that all are provate except the "returned".

b. Braces should be used around all statements as long as it is a compound statement, do not use the one-line version (i.e. no brace version), even for single statements, when they are part of a control structure, such as an if or for statement. This makes it easier to add statements without accidentally introducing bugs.

c. indent 4 spaces, do not use tab.

d. do not use "continue Statement" because it tends to obscure the control flow of the function.