performAction

PerformAction refers to a generic function or method used to trigger a defined operation. In software libraries, performAction is often implemented as a single entry point that accepts an action descriptor, a target object or context, and an optional configuration object.

An action descriptor may be a string, a structured object, or an enum that encodes the type of operation to perform (for example, save, delete, navigate). The target identifies what the action applies to, such as a document, widget, or model. Options may include parameters, authorization context, timeouts, and callback handlers.

Return value varies: it may be a boolean indicating success, an operation result object, or a promise representing asynchronous execution. In event-driven or UI frameworks, performAction may enqueue the action in a queue and return before completion.

Usage patterns include the command pattern, action dispatchers in state management, and automation scripts. It often supports error handling, cancellation tokens, and rollback on failure.

Design considerations include idempotence, potential side effects, and visibility of outcomes. Tests typically focus on determinism and isolation of individual actions, ensuring that repeated invocations do not produce unintended results and that failures are properly reported.

See also: command pattern, action queue, dispatcher, event bus.