Don't use objects as arguments. about clean-code-javascript

[vsemozhetbyt]

Some info to consider:

1. Object arguments are de facto standard. For example, they are used in many Node.js API functions .

2. This method is advised by some authoritative developers for good ES5 and ES6 use cases: http://speakingjs.com/es5/ch15.html#named_parameters, http://exploringjs.com/es6/ch_core-features.html#_handling-named-parameters, http://exploringjs.com/es6/ch_parameter-handling.html#_named-parameters-via-destructuring, http://exploringjs.com/es6/ch_parameter-handling.html#sec_named-parameters

[ryanmcdermott]

I understand where you are coming from, might want to take this up with Uncle Bob 😉

Objects as arguments, as @vsemozhetbyt stated, are valid and a good practice in JavaScript. Where JavaScript lacks most strongly is in a type system, so it can seem like creating higher-order objects to pass into functions is a waste as you can't even type-check what is passed in. It does have positive refactoring benefits later on though if you use objects. For example, you can change the behavior of the object's getters and setters, and you can provide some boundaries around the primitive values you pass in.

Forgive me being pedantic, linking out to Clean Code helps state this better than I did: "Reducing the number of arguments by creating objects out of them may seem like cheating, but it’s not. When groups of variables are passed together, the way x and y are in the example above, they are likely part of a concept that deserves a name of its own." (Pg. 43)

I'll let this issue serve as the authoritative final thought on this objection. I've been in the same boat before, and many people are! I still regularly write 7-argument functions all the time and say "What the heck, it's not even a cohesive argument structure anyway... oh wait!" If you have a lot of arguments and can't group them in one object, your function is doing too much! Make it do one thing.

I will refactor the description of this, since so many people have questions!

[andreaselia]

I disagree.. (in this case) an object makes sense rather than individual args. the following Stack Overflow link provides some good insight: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/12826977/multiple-arguments-vs-options-object

[jordyvandomselaar]

Please read 1,2 and 3. We have had this discussion on Slack.

[andreaselia]

@jordyvandomselaar I read your post, but it appears as though you're commenting on personal preference rather than what makes sense.

[jordyvandomselaar]

It makes sense to use actual arguments because the function will explain itself. If you use an object the user would need to read documentation before he or she understands all options inside the object you're using. With proper argument names your ide will tell you exactly what goes where, you can even add JsDoc for additional information. An object does not allow this.

I dare say the same to you; do you just want to use objects because objects, or because it makes sense?