How to get ID from array of objects in JavaScript?

Hey! Do you want to know how to get and find ID in arrays of objects in JavaScript?

You’re lucky enough because our step-by-step guide has got you covered.

So bear with us to discover the techniques used by top developers and up your coding game with JavaScript object ID. Don’t miss out!

What is a JavaScript Object ID?

JavaScript Object ID, often referred to as ObjectID or simply ID, is a unique identifier assigned to each object created within the JavaScript programming language.

In JavaScript, when we create objects, each one is assigned a unique identifier called the Object ID (ObjectID or ID).

This ID serves as a way for developers to easily differentiate and manipulate individual objects.

It acts as a reference, allowing us to efficiently perform tasks like retrieving specific objects, making changes to them, or removing them from memory.

What is the object ID of an object?

Object Identification, also known as Object ID, is an established and widely recognized standard used for identifying and documenting cultural goods.

This documentation system offers a consistent approach to capturing and describing various collections of archaeological, cultural, and artistic objects.

How to get the ID of an object in JavaScript?

To get the ID of an object in JavaScript, can be accomplished by using the Object.prototype.toString() method.

This method converts the object into a string representation that includes its type and, in certain cases, its ID.

It is important to be aware that the process of retrieving the object ID is not consistent across all JavaScript implementations and can differ.

You can also use the the Array.prototype.find() method to get the ID of an object in JavaScript.

Here’s a practical example that demonstrates how you can obtain the ID of an object:

const student = { id: 1, studentname: "Anna", age: 18 };

// To show output, you can usedot notation
console.log(student.id); // 1

// To show output, you can bracket notation
console.log(student['id']); // 1

Output:

1
1

How to use Objects with Object IDs

JavaScript Object IDs play a critical role in efficiently handling objects.

Once we have an Object ID, we can effortlessly perform tasks like updating properties, deleting objects, or accessing specific objects within a collection.

To illustrate this concept, let’s consider the following example:

const students = [
  { id: 1, name: "Anna" },
  { id: 2, name: "Angel" },
  { id: 3, name: "Alexa" },
];

// Updating student with Object ID 2
const studentToUpdate = students.find((student) => student.id === 2);
studentToUpdate.name = "Angel";

// Deleting student with Object ID 3
const studentIndexToDelete = students.findIndex((student) => student.id === 1);
students.splice(studentIndexToDelete, 1);

// Accessing student with Object ID 1
const student = students.find((student) => student.id === 3);
console.log(student.name); 

Output:

Alexa

Here’s another example:

const array = [
  {
    id: 1,
    studentname: "Anna"
  },
  {
    id: 2,
    studentname: "Angel"
  },
  {
    id: 3,
    studentname: "Alexa"
  }
]

// looking for the the object which ID is "1"
const object = array.find(obj => obj.id === 1);

// printing object
console.log(object)

Output:

{ id: 1, studentname: 'Anna' }

If you are still confused, here’s the step-by-step guide on how to use Objects with Object IDs:

1. Linking Objects with Object IDs

When dealing with JavaScript objects, it can be useful to establish a connection between each object and its corresponding Object ID.

This association allows for easier retrieval and manipulation of specific objects within a collection.

To achieve this, follow these steps:

// Create an object
const obj1 = { name: "Anna", age: 18 };

// Generate a unique Object ID
const obj1ID = generateObjectID();

// Associate the Object ID with the object
obj1.ObjectID = obj1ID;

// Create another object
const obj2 = { name: "Angel", age: 18 };

// Generate a unique Object ID
const obj2ID = generateObjectID();

// Associate the Object ID with the object
obj2.ObjectID = obj2ID;

2. Getting Objects Using Object IDs

Once you have linked Object IDs to your objects, you can effortlessly retrieve specific objects by using their assigned Object IDs.

Here’s a simple example to demonstrate this:

// Getting the object with a specific Object ID
function getObjectByID(collection, objectID) {
  return collection.find((obj) => obj.ObjectID === objectID);
}

// Example manipulation
const collection = [obj1, obj2];
const retrievedObject = getObjectByID(collection, obj2ID);
console.log(retrievedObject); 

3. Modifying Objects Using Object IDs

JavaScript Object ID offers a convenient way to update specific properties of objects stored in a collection.

This functionality proves helpful when we need to make changes to individual objects.

Let’s consider the following example to understand how Object IDs can be utilized for this purpose:

// Update a property of an object with a specific Object ID
function updateObjectProperty(collection, objectID, propertyName, newValue) {
  const objectToUpdate = getObjectByID(collection, objectID);
  if (objectToUpdate) {
    objectToUpdate[propertyName] = newValue;
  }
}

// Getting the object with a specific Object ID
function getObjectByID(collection, objectID) {
  return collection.find((obj) => obj.ObjectID === objectID);
}

// Example manipulation
const collection = [
  { ObjectID: 1, studentname: "Anna", age: 18 },
  { ObjectID: 2, studentname: "Angel", age: 18 }
];

// Update the age property of an object with a specific Object ID
updateObjectProperty(collection, 1, "age", 25);
console.log(collection);

Output:

[
  { ObjectID: 1, studentname: 'Anna', age: 25 },
  { ObjectID: 2, studentname: 'Angel', age: 18 }
]

4. Removing Objects Using Object IDs

Removing Objects using object IDs, JavaScript Object IDs offer a convenient way to delete specific objects from a collection.

This capability proves useful when we want to remove individual objects.

Let’s consider the following example to see how Object IDs can be used for this purpose.

// Remove an object with a specific Object ID
function deleteObjectByID(collection, objectID) {
  const indexToDelete = collection.findIndex((obj) => obj.ObjectID === objectID);
  if (indexToDelete !== -1) {
    collection.splice(indexToDelete, 1);
  }
}

// Example manipulation
const collection = [
  { ObjectID: 1, studentname: "Anna", age: 18 },
  { ObjectID: 2, studentname: "Angel", age: 18 }
];

deleteObjectByID(collection, 2);
console.log(collection);

Output:

[ { ObjectID: 1, studentname: 'Anna', age: 18 } ]

Do objects or variables have a specific identifier similar to Ruby’s object_id that sets them apart uniquely in JavaScript?

No, by default, JavaScript objects do not have an identifier specifically assigned to them. However, it is possible to add an identifier by modifying the object’s prototype.

Here is an example to illustrate how this can be done:

(function() {
    var id = 0;

    function generateId() { return id++; };

    Object.prototype.id = function() {
        var newId = generateId();

        this.id = function() { return newId; };

        return newId;
    };
})();

To assign a unique identifier to each object, the code employs the generateId function.

This function increments a local id variable and provides the updated value as the unique ID for the object.

Here’s an example that illustrates the usage of this code:

(function() {
    var id = 0;

    function generateId() { return id++; };

    Object.prototype.id = function() {
        var newId = generateId();

        this.id = function() { return newId; };

        return newId;
    };
})();

var obj1 = { name: "Anna" };
var obj2 = { name: "Angel"};

console.log(obj1.id()); 
console.log(obj2.id()); 

Output:

0
1

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive guide on how to work with object IDs in JavaScript arrays of objects.

Object IDs act as unique labels assigned to each object, allowing developers to easily distinguish them and make changes.

The article explains different methods to obtain object IDs, such as using the Object.prototype.toString() method or the Array.prototype.find() method.

It also demonstrates practical examples of using object IDs to update, delete, and access specific objects within a collection.

The article discusses how to connect objects with object IDs, retrieve objects using object IDs, modify objects using object IDs, and remove objects using object IDs.

Also, this article addresses the question of whether JavaScript objects have a specific identifier, similar to Ruby’s object_id, and explains how to add an identifier to objects through object prototypes.

We are hoping that this article provides you with enough information that helps you understand the JavaScript object ID. 

You can also check out the following article:

Thank you for reading itsourcecoders 😊.

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