How to create an associative array in JavaScript literal notation

Question

I understand that there are no associative arrays in JavaScript, only objects.

However I can create an array with string keys using bracket

Answer 1

Well, you are creating an array, which is in fact an object:

var arr = [];
arr.map;
// function(..)
arr['map'];
// function(..)

arr['a'] = 5;

console.log(arr instanceof Object); // true

You can add fields and functions to arr. It does not "insert" them into the array though (like arr.push(...)).

You can refer to an object fields with the [] syntax.