How can I store reference to a variable within an array?

Question

I\'m trying to create an array that maps strings to variables. It seems that the array stores the current value of the variable instead of storing a reference to the variabl

Answer 1

My solution to saving a reference is to pass a function instead:

If the variable you want to reference is called 'myTarget', then use:

myRef = function (newVal) {
            if (newVal != undefined)
                myTarget = newVal;
            return myTarget;
        }

To read the value, use myRef();. To set the value, use myRef(value_to_set);.

Helpfully, you can also assign this to an array element as well:

var myArray = [myRef];

Then use myArray0 to read and myArray[0](value_to_set) to write.

Disclaimer: I've only tested this with a numerical target as that is my use case.