[bug] HB doesn't iterate over array returned by function

[al6x]

It seems that Handlebars doesn't iterate over array returned by function, it threats it as if statement.

Test case:

var template = Handlebars.compile(
  "peoples:<br/>{{#people}}name: {{name}}<br/>{{/people}}"
);​
var data = {
  people: function(){return [{name: 'Jim'}, {name: 'John'}]}
}
$('body').append(template(data));

The result will be peoples: name: instead of peoples: name: Jim name: John.

Try it online http://jsfiddle.net/HUcNP/

[wagenet]

My understanding is that Handlebars isn't meant to support function properties.

[al6x]

Hmmm, not sure about it, it support {{myModel.someAttributeAsFunction}} for example.

[wagenet]

My understanding is that it will work in some cases but isn't recommended. I may be mistaken though.

[jblotus]

handlebars (at least outside of Ember.js) doesn't officially support functions as properties. You could do this even though it's really janky:

var context = {
  people: (function(){return [{name: 'Jim'}, {name: 'John'}]})()
}

see:
#140

[al6x]

Why not? Is there any reason for such limitation? It doesn't complicate syntax or API of mustache and seems perfectly valid and clear use case, why not support it?

#140

It seems that it's not actually a related issue, there's the discussion about the context of function, not about should it be called or not.

[jblotus]

i don't necessarily disagree with it, especially since you can do computed props in Ember. I'm sure Yehuda has a much better reason.

[wagenet]

In Ember we actually modify the default Handlebars behavior to change it. If you want this sort of support, you should consider looking at what Ember does. I don't forsee the default Handlebars behavior changing any time soon so I'm closing this.