Nodejs: how to clone an object

Question

If I clone an array, I use cloneArr = arr.slice()

I want to know how to clone an object in nodejs.

Answer 1

I implemented a full deep copy. I believe its the best pick for a generic clone method, but it does not handle cyclical references.

Usage example:

parent = {'prop_chain':3}
obj = Object.create(parent)
obj.a=0; obj.b=1; obj.c=2;

obj2 = copy(obj)

console.log(obj, obj.prop_chain)
// '{'a':0, 'b':1, 'c':2} 3
console.log(obj2, obj2.prop_chain)
// '{'a':0, 'b':1, 'c':2} 3

parent.prop_chain=4
obj2.a = 15

console.log(obj, obj.prop_chain)
// '{'a':0, 'b':1, 'c':2} 4
console.log(obj2, obj2.prop_chain)
// '{'a':15, 'b':1, 'c':2} 4

The code itself:

This code copies objects with their prototypes, it also copy functions (might be useful for someone).

function copy(obj) {
  // (F.prototype will hold the object prototype chain)
  function F() {}
  var newObj;

  if(typeof obj.clone === 'function')
    return obj.clone()

  // To copy something that is not an object, just return it:
  if(typeof obj !== 'object' && typeof obj !== 'function' || obj == null)
    return obj;

  if(typeof obj === 'object') {    
    // Copy the prototype:
    newObj = {}
    var proto = Object.getPrototypeOf(obj)
    Object.setPrototypeOf(newObj, proto)
  } else {
    // If the object is a function the function evaluate it:
    var aux
    newObj = eval('aux='+obj.toString())
    // And copy the prototype:
    newObj.prototype = obj.prototype
  }

  // Copy the object normal properties with a deep copy:
  for(var i in obj) {
    if(obj.hasOwnProperty(i)) {
      if(typeof obj[i] !== 'object')
        newObj[i] = obj[i]
      else
        newObj[i] = copy(obj[i])
    }
  }

  return newObj;
}

With this copy I can't find any difference between the original and the copied one except if the original used closures on its construction, so i think its a good implementation.

I hope it helps