Unlock the Power of Computed Properties in Vue.js
When it comes to displaying static or dynamic values in Vue.js templates, developers have several options at their disposal. From text interpolation to simple expressions, the possibilities are endless. However, one technique stands out from the rest: computed properties. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of computed properties, exploring their basics, use cases, and benefits.
What are Computed Properties?
Computed properties are a powerful feature in Vue.js that enable you to create a property that can be used to modify, manipulate, and display data within your components in a readable and efficient manner. They allow you to calculate and display values based on a value or set of values in the data model, with custom logic that’s cached based on its dependencies.
How are Computed Properties Used?
Computed properties are incredibly versatile and can be used to solve a wide range of problems. Here are a few examples:
Filtering Data
Computed properties are perfect for filtering data. Imagine you’re building a search function that allows users to filter an array of data based on their input. You can create a computed property that checks the user’s input and returns the filtered data.
Calculations
Computed properties can also be used to handle complex calculations. Whether you’re building a financial calculator or a simple math problem, computed properties make it easy to perform calculations and display the results.
Boolean Conditionals
Computed properties can be used to check whether a condition is true, and then use v-if to determine whether to display a block of code or not.
Using Computed Properties with mapGetters
When using mapGetters, computed properties can be used to access the data retrieved from your getters.
Using Computed Properties as Setters
In addition to retrieving data, computed properties can also be used to set data. This can be useful when you need to bind a computed property to an input tag using v-model.
Building a Shopping Cart with Computed Properties
To put our newfound knowledge into practice, let’s build a shopping cart in Vue.js that allows users to select the quantity of an item, calculate the cost of multiple items, and calculate the total including shipping fees.
Computed Properties vs. Methods
While computed properties and methods may seem interchangeable, they have distinct differences. Computed properties cache results, meaning they only execute once after the component is mounted, unless one of their dependencies changes. Methods, on the other hand, execute every time they’re called in the component.
Conclusion
Computed properties are a game-changer in Vue.js, allowing you to write cleaner, more scalable, and more readable code. By understanding the basics and use cases of computed properties, you can take your Vue.js skills to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of computed properties today!