Backbone.js - Using new() in Model defaults - circular reference - backbone.js

Question

Taking the following Model:
MyModel= Backbone.Model.extend({
defaults : {
myNestedModel:undefined,
},
initialize: function() {
this.set({myNestedModel: new MyNestedModel());
}
});
It has a single property named 'myNestedModel' which has the following definition:
MyNestedModel= Backbone.Model.extend({
defaults : {
myModel:undefined,
}
});
It too has a single Property name 'myModel'. Now if I create an instance of MyModel:
aModel = new MyModel();
The nested model will have been set in MyModel's initialize method. I then use JSON.stringify in a two step process:
// Use Backbone.js framework to get an object that we can use JSON.stringfy on
var modelAsJson = aModel.toJSON();
// Now actually do stringify
var modelAsJsonString = JSON.stringify(modelAsJson);
This works fine and I get the JSON representation of MyModel and it's property of MyNestedModel. The problem occurs when I use defaults, for example:
MyModel= Backbone.Model.extend({
defaults : {
new MyNestedModel(),
}
});
This causes a problem with JSON.stringify since it doesn't support circular references. I assume the circular reference is being created because all instances of MyModel share the same instance of MyNestedModel. Whereas the initialize method creates a new nested model for each instance.
Questions:
Is my understanding of defaults:{} being the 'cause' of the
problem correct?
From a question I posted recently I got the
impression I should be using defaults for all properties. If that is
the case, how should I be using defaults in the scenario presented
in this post/question?
Can someone clarify the use of defaults:{}
with regards to when the value applies, when it's overridden and
whether instances share the same default 'instances'?

Answer 1

Defaults is used only for attributes inside your model ( the data in the model ), and whenever you create your model it takes the values from defaults and sets the attributes. e.g.
User = Backbone.Model.extend({
defaults : {
rating : 0
}
})
User1 = new User({ name : 'jack', email : 'jack#gmail.com' });
User2 = new User({ name : 'john', email : 'john#gmail.com' });
User1.set({ rating : 2 });
Now your two models when called with toJSON will print
{
rating: 2,
name: 'jack',
email: 'jack#gmail.com'
}
{
rating: 0,
name: 'john',
email: 'john#gmail.com'
}
Since defaults is an object, every value you place there is evaluated immediately so :
defaults : {
rating : defaultRating()
}
will call defaultRating() - not everytime when you initialize the model, but immediately ( in the extend method )
You should use defaults for models where you need some data to exist on the creating of the model ( e.g. new myModel() )
In your example you have the following mistakes :
1.set a value without a property
defaults : {
PROPERTY : new Model()
}
2.you don't need such an option for your defaults - you should place there only attributes ( data ) for the model
Defaults applies always as long as it is not replaced by a new defaults in an extended model e.g.
var Model = Backbone.Model.extend({ defaults : { alpha : 'beta' } });
var myModel = Model.extend({ defaults : { beta : 'gama' } });
now your myModel when initialized will have
{ beta : 'gama' } // alpha : 'beta' will not be set as value, because it is replaced