ArticleZip > How Can I Create A Two Way Mapping In Javascript Or Some Other Way To Swap Out Values

How Can I Create A Two Way Mapping In Javascript Or Some Other Way To Swap Out Values

When working with Javascript or any programming language, it's common to come across situations where you may need to create a two-way mapping or a way to swap out values. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to achieve this in Javascript. Let's dive into a practical guide on how you can create a two-way mapping in Javascript, and also explore other methods to swap values effortlessly.

One of the most popular and efficient ways to create a two-way mapping in Javascript is by using an object to store key-value pairs. This approach allows you to establish a direct relationship between two sets of values that can be easily accessed and swapped when needed. Here's a basic example to illustrate this concept:

Plaintext

const twoWayMapping = {
    key1: 'value1',
    key2: 'value2',
};

const getKeyByValue = (obj, value) => {
  return Object.keys(obj).find(key => obj[key] === value);
};

// Accessing values
console.log(twoWayMapping.key1); // Output: 'value1'
console.log(getKeyByValue(twoWayMapping, 'value1')); // Output: 'key1'

// Swapping values
const temp = twoWayMapping.key1;
twoWayMapping.key1 = twoWayMapping.key2;
twoWayMapping.key2 = temp;

console.log(twoWayMapping.key1); // Output: 'value2'
console.log(getKeyByValue(twoWayMapping, 'value2')); // Output: 'key1'

In this example, we define an object `twoWayMapping` with two key-value pairs. The `getKeyByValue` function allows us to retrieve keys based on their corresponding values, enabling easy access to values for swapping.

Furthermore, you can also achieve a two-way mapping using ES6 Map in Javascript. The Map object holds key-value pairs and remembers the original insertion order of the keys. Here's how you can use Map for two-way mapping:

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const twoWayMap = new Map([
  ['key1', 'value1'],
  ['key2', 'value2']
]);

// Accessing values
console.log(twoWayMap.get('key1')); // Output: 'value1'
console.log(Array.from(twoWayMap.keys()).find(key => twoWayMap.get(key) === 'value1')); // Output: 'key1'

// Swapping values
const tempValue = twoWayMap.get('key1');
twoWayMap.set('key1', twoWayMap.get('key2'));
twoWayMap.set('key2', tempValue);

console.log(twoWayMap.get('key1')); // Output: 'value2'
console.log(Array.from(twoWayMap.keys()).find(key => twoWayMap.get(key) === 'value2')); // Output: 'key1'

By utilizing the Map object, you can achieve a similar two-way mapping functionality in a concise and structured manner.

In conclusion, creating a two-way mapping in Javascript is essential for scenarios where you need to establish a direct association between key-value pairs and easily swap values when necessary. Whether you opt for object-based mappings or leverage the power of ES6 Map, these methods provide effective solutions for managing and manipulating data efficiently in your Javascript applications.

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