Convert string to variable name in JavaScript

As far as eval vs. global variable solutions...

I think there are advantages to each but this is really a false dichotomy. If you are paranoid of the global namespace just create a temporary namespace & use the same technique.

var tempNamespace = {};
var myString = "myVarProperty";

tempNamespace[myString] = 5;

Pretty sure you could then access as tempNamespace.myVarProperty (now 5), avoiding using window for storage. (The string could also be put directly into the brackets)

Javascript has an eval() function for such occasions:

function (varString) {
  var myVar = eval(varString);
  // .....
}

Edit: Sorry, I think I skimmed the question too quickly. This will only get you the variable, to set it you need

function SetTo5(varString) {
  var newValue = 5;
  eval(varString + " = " + newValue);
}

or if using a string:

function SetToString(varString) {
  var newValue = "string";
  eval(varString + " = " + "'" + newValue + "'");
}

But I imagine there is a more appropriate way to accomplish what you're looking for? I don't think eval() is something you really want to use unless there's a great reason for it. eval()

If it's a global variable then window[variableName] or in your case window["onlyVideo"] should do the trick.

var myString = "echoHello";

window[myString] = function() {
    alert("Hello!");
}

echoHello();

Say no to the evil eval. Example here: https://jsfiddle.net/Shaz/WmA8t/