set variable to function value in jQuery?

Question

Im attempting to set this variable as a function, and set the variable's value to that function's output, but i just can't put my finger on how to grab the output correctly:

var prev = activeSection.prevAll();
var about = prev.each(function(){ 
 $(this).data('about');
})

Now the .data func's value is the value i want to set the about var to, however when i log the about var, i just get all the elements of the prev var, not the .data('about') of each of them, which i desire.

I know I'm off by something so minute... suggestions?

Answer 1

The jQuery .each function you are using just iterates over the elements. You're not adding them to a list, so nothing is happening with your value.

You would modify your existing code as follows to add your values to an array:

var prev = activeSection.prevAll();
var about = [];
prev.each(function(){ 
 about.push($(this).data('about'));
});

Alternatively, you can use a jQuery map as adeneo noted, or you can do this in a non-jQuery forEach loop.

var prev = activeSection.prevAll();
var about = [];
prev.forEach(function() {
 var val = $(this).data('about');
 about.push(val);
});

• Jared Garcia: great options here! appreciate it
• Jared Garcia: what if i would want to check if a certain element has a class matching any of the returns in the array?

Answer 2

You'll have to map the data values to get an array of values

var prev = activeSection.prevAll();
var about = prev.map(function(){ 
 return $(this).data('about');
}).get();

• Jared Garcia: great! very simple! wish i can accept both answers :(
• Jared Garcia: what if i would want to check if a certain element has a class matching any of the returns in the array?