moment.js unable to use in backbone template

Question

I am trying to moment.js function moment().format() inside my backbone template as shown below.

<td> 
  <% 
  var x = new Date(start); print(moment().format()) 
  %>
</td>

it doesn't work. It gives an error

Uncaught ReferenceError: moment is not defined

But it works within my view module. For example, if I call in the init function, it logs the moment time value correctly.

    initialize : function() {
        /* Listen to our collection for reset event */
        this.collection.on('reset', this.render, this);
        console.log("moment", moment().format());
    },

what am i missing here..?

PS: I am loading moment.js via require js in my view module.

Answer 1

As Roman says, moment.js is not in the scope of the template rendered. But, Marionette makes it easy to put it in scope. For that purpose you can use templateHelpers. Like this:

templateHelpers: {
   moment: moment // <-- this is the reference to the moment in your view
}

templateHelpers will make its moment property available in your template as a variable named moment. You don't change a thing in the template itself.

Answer 2

I'm guessing that because of the require.js, the moment.js is only available to your view only. You have a few options:

1. Assign it to window (e.g. window.moment = require('moment')), so it will be globally accessible.
2. Don't use it in templates, but rather use logic less templates and do the data manipulation elsewhere.
3. Use handlebars as template engine and add moment as a global helper
4. Use marionette and provide the moment.js using the templateHelpers.