Skip to content

How to destructure an object to an already defined variable

I had the need to assign the result of a function call to a variable already defined. The function returned an object:

function test() {
	return {
		one: 1,
		two: 2
	}
}

I thought I’ll just use object destructing, like this:

const { one, two } = test()

But I had two already defined in my code (because of scoping issues) and I couldn’t redeclare it:

let two

//...

const { one, two } = test() //ERROR

Simple way would be to have

const result = test()

two = result.two
const { one } = result

Or, I could also declare one as let and use this syntax with parentheses (adding ; before them to prevent JS to freak out because I don’t use semicolons, any line starting with ( must start with a semicolon, simple rule)

let one, two

;({ one, two } = test())
→ Get my JavaScript Beginner's Handbook

download all my books for free

  • javascript handbook
  • typescript handbook
  • css handbook
  • node.js handbook
  • astro handbook
  • html handbook
  • next.js pages router handbook
  • alpine.js handbook
  • htmx handbook
  • react handbook
  • sql handbook
  • git cheat sheet
  • laravel handbook
  • express handbook
  • swift handbook
  • go handbook
  • php handbook
  • python handbook
  • cli handbook
  • c handbook

subscribe to my newsletter to get them

Terms: by subscribing to the newsletter you agree the following terms and conditions and privacy policy. The aim of the newsletter is to keep you up to date about new tutorials, new book releases or courses organized by Flavio. If you wish to unsubscribe from the newsletter, you can click the unsubscribe link that's present at the bottom of each email, anytime. I will not communicate/spread/publish or otherwise give away your address. Your email address is the only personal information collected, and it's only collected for the primary purpose of keeping you informed through the newsletter. It's stored in a secure server based in the EU. You can contact Flavio by emailing flavio@flaviocopes.com. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws in force in Italy and you unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Italy.

Related posts about js: