Plugin Instance Storage
Store the plugin instance on each element using .data() to allow method calls after initialization and prevent double-initialization.
jQuery
Advanced
4 min read
Storing Plugin Instances with .data()
Example
$.fn.counter = function(options) {
return this.each(function() {
// Prevent double-init
if ($(this).data("counter")) return;
const instance = new Counter(this, options);
$(this).data("counter", instance);
});
};
// Later, access instance
$(".count-box").counter({ start: 0, end: 100 });
$(".count-box").data("counter").pause(); Pro Tip
Guard against double-initialization with an early return if data is already set.