[Javascript] Good vs. Eval (was Form validation)

[Peter Brunone]

   But how do you get the array to point to the *execution* of the function rather than the return value of the function?  That is, if I want to set functionList["myFunction"] equal to myFunction(), how do I get it in there so that I can use it?

   IMO, this is a great discussion; keep it coming!

Original Message:
>From: Jeff Greenberg <jeff at websciences.org>

>One of the easiest ways to call a function based on a string is to index 
>into an array or an object like so:
>
>functionList["myFunction"]();
>
>eval is not inherently bad or inefficient, it is just often used 
>improperly or in cases where more thought should go into the design and 
>architecture of the code. It is, in fact, indispensible if you are 
>trying to extend the core javascript language or work with dynamically 
>generated/modified code. It should not be used in "every day" code, and 
>if you find yourself using it in a small bit of code, it is likely you 
>are misusing it. Nothing is set in stone of course, and this is just a 
>general guideline.
>
>Peter Brunone wrote:
>
>>   No problem; just start a new thread!
>>
>>   What if you want to run a function based on a string?
>>
>>-Peter B.