The distinction between passing functions by value and passing functions by reference in JavaScript

Whenever I perform the following code:

function foo(){//some stuff..}
var bar = foo;

Am I actually copying the function defined as foo to bar?

Is there a method to assign a function to a variable in a way that it points to the function instead of making a copy? This means having multiple variables assigned to the same function, and whenever this function is updated, all assigned variables will be automatically updated as well.

I'm aware of achieving this using prototype inheritance but my specific question is whether it can be done simply by assigning variables?

Answer №1

In JavaScript, all non-primitive values are passed by reference.

function updateValue(val) { updateValue.val = val; }

updateValue(1);

updateValue.val; //1

var anotherUpdate = updateValue;

anotherUpdate(2);

updateValue.val; //2

However, if you're looking to update all variables referencing the same memory address when assigning a new reference, that functionality is not possible in JavaScript. If you find yourself needing this feature, it may signal design flaws.

Answer №2

bar is not being duplicated by foo, instead they both point to the identical function object. Your script resembles this

var bar,foo;
bar = foo = function() {};

In this scenario, bar and foo both refer to the same function object. Evidence:

bar.x = "Altered by bar";
alert(foo.x); // shows "Altered by bar"

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