Simple Javascript array initialization not working in Chrome

Question

I am trying to do something really simple - initialize an array in Javascript. And it's not working in Google Chrome. Here is the code:

status = [];
for(i=0; i < 8; i++)
  status[i]=false;

alert(status.length); //It says 0 when it should say 8

What gives?

Answer 1

The assignment of your status variable, clashes with the window.status property.

Chrome simply refuses to make the assignment.

The window.status property, sets or gets the text in the status bar at the bottom of the browser.

I would recommend you to either, rename your variable or use an anonymous function to create a new scope, also remember to always use var for declaring variables:

(function () {
  var status = [];

  for (var i = 0; i < 8; i++)
    status[i] = false;

  alert(status.length);
})();

Answer 2

Change the variable name. Seems like status is a property of window, and Chrome makes it inmutable . I didn't expect that, too.