method-shorthand-jsdoc

Method Shorthand for JSDoc Preservation

When factory functions have helper functions that are only used by returned methods, move them INTO the return object using method shorthand. This ensures JSDoc comments are properly passed through to consumers.

Related Skills: See factory-function-composition for the four-zone factory anatomy and the this decision rule.

The Problem

You write a factory function with a well-documented helper:

function createHeadDoc(options: { workspaceId: string }) {
	const { workspaceId } = options;

	/**
	 * Get the current epoch number.
	 *
	 * Computes the maximum of all client-proposed epochs.
	 * This ensures concurrent bumps converge to the same version.
	 *
	 * @returns The current epoch (0 if no bumps have occurred)
	 */
	function getEpoch(): number {
		let max = 0;
		for (const value of epochsMap.values()) {
			max = Math.max(max, value);
		}
		return max;
	}

	return {
		workspaceId,
		getEpoch, // JSDoc is NOT visible when hovering on returned object!

		bumpEpoch(): number {
			const next = getEpoch() + 1; // Calling internal helper
			return next;
		},
	};
}

When you hover over head.getEpoch() in your IDE, you see... nothing. The JSDoc is lost.

The Solution

Move the helper INTO the return object using method shorthand:

function createHeadDoc(options: { workspaceId: string }) {
	const { workspaceId } = options;

	return {
		workspaceId,

		/**
		 * Get the current epoch number.
		 *
		 * Computes the maximum of all client-proposed epochs.
		 * This ensures concurrent bumps converge to the same version.
		 *
		 * @returns The current epoch (0 if no bumps have occurred)
		 */
		getEpoch(): number {
			let max = 0;
			for (const value of epochsMap.values()) {
				max = Math.max(max, value);
			}
			return max;
		},

		bumpEpoch(): number {
			const next = this.getEpoch() + 1; // Use this.methodName()
			return next;
		},
	};
}

Now hovering over head.getEpoch() shows the full JSDoc.

Why This Works

1. JSDoc attaches to the method definition site - when methods are inline in the return object, the JSDoc is directly on the property TypeScript sees
2. Method shorthand uses function semantics - this is bound to the object, so this.getEpoch() works
3. No separate helper needed - if it's only used by sibling methods, it belongs in the same object

The Pattern

// BAD: Helper defined separately, JSDoc lost on return
function createService(client) {
  /** Fetches user data with caching. */
  function fetchUser(id: string) { ... }

  return {
    fetchUser,  // JSDoc not visible to consumers!
    getProfile(id: string) {
      return fetchUser(id);  // Works, but consumers can't see docs
    },
  };
}

// GOOD: Method shorthand, JSDoc preserved
function createService(client) {
  return {
    /** Fetches user data with caching. */
    fetchUser(id: string) { ... },

    getProfile(id: string) {
      return this.fetchUser(id);  // Use this.method()
    },
  };
}

When to Apply

Use this pattern when:

• Helper functions are ONLY used by methods in the return object
• You want JSDoc visible when consumers hover over the method
• The helper doesn't need to be called before the return statement

Keep helpers separate when:

• They're called during initialization (before return)
• They're used by multiple factories (extract to shared module)
• They're truly internal and shouldn't be exposed

Arrow Functions Don't Work

Arrow functions don't have their own this:

// BAD: Arrow function, this is undefined
return {
  getEpoch: () => { ... },
  bumpEpoch: () => {
    this.getEpoch();  // ERROR: this is undefined!
  },
};

// GOOD: Method shorthand has correct this binding
return {
  getEpoch() { ... },
  bumpEpoch() {
    this.getEpoch();  // Works!
  },
};

Real Example

From packages/epicenter/src/core/docs/head-doc.ts:

export function createHeadDoc(options: { workspaceId: string; ydoc?: Y.Doc }) {
	const { workspaceId } = options;
	const ydoc = options.ydoc ?? new Y.Doc({ guid: workspaceId });
	const epochsMap = ydoc.getMap<number>('epochs');

	return {
		ydoc,
		workspaceId,

		/**
		 * Get the current epoch number.
		 *
		 * Computes the maximum of all client-proposed epochs.
		 * This ensures concurrent bumps converge to the same version
		 * without skipping epoch numbers.
		 *
		 * @returns The current epoch (0 if no bumps have occurred)
		 */
		getEpoch(): number {
			let max = 0;
			for (const value of epochsMap.values()) {
				max = Math.max(max, value);
			}
			return max;
		},

		/**
		 * Bump the epoch to the next version.
		 *
		 * @returns The new epoch number after bumping
		 */
		bumpEpoch(): number {
			const next = this.getEpoch() + 1;
			epochsMap.set(ydoc.clientID.toString(), next);
			return next;
		},

		// ... other methods using this.getEpoch()
	};
}

Summary

Approach	JSDoc Visible?	this Works?
Separate helper + reference	No	N/A
Arrow function in return	Yes	No
Method shorthand in return	Yes	Yes

Method shorthand is the only approach that preserves JSDoc AND allows methods to call each other via this.

Where This Fits in the Factory Function Anatomy

Factory functions follow a four-zone internal shape: immutable state → mutable state → private helpers → return object. Method shorthand lives in the return object (zone 4)—the public API.

The this.method() vs direct-call decision depends on which zone the function lives in:

Situation	Where it lives	How to call it
Only used by sibling methods in the return object	Zone 4 (return object, method shorthand)	this.method()
Used by return-object methods AND pre-return init logic	Zone 3 (private helper, standalone function)	Direct call: helperFn()
Used during initialization only, not exposed	Zone 3 (private helper)	Direct call: helperFn()

When a helper needs to be in zone 3, its JSDoc won't be visible to consumers—but that's correct, because it's a private implementation detail. Only zone 4 methods need consumer-facing JSDoc.

See Closures Are Better Privacy Than Keywords for the full factory function anatomy.

References

• docs/articles/method-shorthand-jsdoc-preservation.md - Same content as article
• docs/articles/closures-are-better-privacy-than-keywords.md - Factory function anatomy and zone system