Is it possible to convert a var to a const?

Say in a scenario like this:

var appname = ''

function setAppName(name) {
   appname = name  // can I convert this to const now?
}

Basically, this is for a parameter level. Parameter needs to be accessible throughout the file and I want to make it const after first assignment. Is this possible?

To add: If there is any other way besides creating an object with to contain this parameter, it would be better (for a more straightforward solution). I will be working on multiple parameters like this and freezing an object will cause the entire object to freeze. I am hoping to do this on the parameter level.

So either change the parameter to become const. OR (this one I dont think is possible) change the scope of the paramter to global:

function setAppName(name) {
   const appname = name  // can I change the scope and make this global?
}

Thanks.

Is it possible to convert a var to a const?

Say in a scenario like this:

var appname = ''

function setAppName(name) {
   appname = name  // can I convert this to const now?
}

Basically, this is for a parameter level. Parameter needs to be accessible throughout the file and I want to make it const after first assignment. Is this possible?

To add: If there is any other way besides creating an object with to contain this parameter, it would be better (for a more straightforward solution). I will be working on multiple parameters like this and freezing an object will cause the entire object to freeze. I am hoping to do this on the parameter level.

So either change the parameter to become const. OR (this one I dont think is possible) change the scope of the paramter to global:

function setAppName(name) {
   const appname = name  // can I change the scope and make this global?
}

Thanks.

• javascript
• node.js

3 Answers 3

Put your app name in an object and freeze it.

let appSettings = { name: "" };
function setAppName(name) {
    appSettings.name = name;
    Object.freeze(appSettings);
}

Freezing prevents adding, removing and modifying the values of the properties in your object so you should call Object.freeze only once after all other settings (if there are more variables you want to make constant) have been set.

You can do this using a object.

const globals = {
    appname: ''
}

function setAppName(name) {
    globals.appname = name;
    Object.freeze(globals)
    // After this point, value of appname cannot be modified
}

Thank you for all your inputs.

I was able to find a workaround for what I was trying to achieve.

var appname = ''

function setAppName(name) {
  if (appname === '') {
    appname = name  // can I convert this to const now?
  }
}

Although this doesnt convert it to const, I just added a guard on the setter and it will not be able to overwrite the value now (unless otherwise I am going to initialize again to an empty string).

It is not fool-proof, but this will address my need.

Thanks all!