What is the correct way to invoke a function expression that is nested within another function?

Is it possible to call a function expression that is nested within another function in JavaScript?

   

 let x = function() {
 //perform some tasks
 let y = function() {
   console.log('Greetings Earthlings!') 
 }
}
x();

Answer №1

There are various ways to define functions in JavaScript, such as Function declaration, Function expression, and Arrow functions.

A Function declaration can be defined as shown below:

function a() { alert("a"); }

You can then call it using its name a()

The second method is function expression, which can be defined in two different ways:

//Anonymous Function Expression let anotherFn = function(){};

//Named Function Expression let anotherFn = function b() {};

You can only call the above function using anotherFn()

In an anonymous function expression, the function is assigned to a variable and can only be called by that variable's name. An anonymous function expression does not have a name. However, you can also provide a name to the function expression. This is useful when you need to refer to the current function inside the function body, such as in recursion. The name is only accessible within the function body and cannot be used to invoke the function from outside. This explains why you are receiving the error "b is not defined."

Answer №2

Take a look at the function expression:

Structure

var myFunction = function [name]([param1[, param2[, ..., paramN]]]) { 
    statements
};

[...]

name The name given to the function. It can be left out, making the function anonymous. The name is only accessible within the function itself.

Pay attention to the final sentence.

What is the reasoning behind using a variable to call a function and adding parentheses after it?

You have the option of defining functions as either a function statement or an expression. Visit var functionName = function() {} vs function functionName() {} for further details.

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