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Re: defining functions

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Denis McMahon wrote:
> While I'm waiting for the faq to load so I can see if it says there
> in a  manner that I can find, what's the difference between the
> function definition:
>
> var x = function(y)
>    {
>    // do something
>    return;
>    }

That is not a function definition, in ECMAScript terminology (so best 
not called one). It is a variable declaration with assignment, where the 
value being assigned is the result of evaluating a function expression.

> and the function definition:
>
> function x(y)
>    {
>    // do something
>    return;
>    }
>
> and why might someone choose to use one form over the other when
> their function calls are of the form:
>
> x(y);

In terms of this style of function call there is no advantage of one 
over the other.

The advantages of one over the other are that the function declaration 
is less code to write and the actual creation of the function object 
will occur unconditionally upon entering the execution context in which 
the declaration occurs. Assigning a function expression to a variable is 
necessary if the function is to be created conditionally.

My position is that it is clearer (e.i. the textual distinction server 
to add information to the source code by highlighting a real 
distinction) and more direct to use a proper function declaration in all 
circumstance where the result needs to be referred to by name and that 
is practical. It is a position that appears to be unfashionable at 
present, but for no apparent good reason.

Richard. 

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defining functions Denis McMahon <denismfmcmahon@gmail.com> - 2011-11-05 03:09 +0000
  Re: defining functions "Richard Cornford" <Richard@litotes.demon.co.uk> - 2011-11-05 04:35 +0000
    Re: defining functions Thomas 'PointedEars' Lahn <PointedEars@web.de> - 2011-11-05 14:46 +0100
  Re: defining functions "J.R." <groups_jr-1@yahoo.com.br> - 2011-11-05 19:19 -0200
    Re: defining functions Thomas 'PointedEars' Lahn <PointedEars@web.de> - 2011-11-07 13:26 +0100
      Re: defining functions "J.R." <groups_jr-1@yahoo.com.br> - 2011-11-13 21:39 -0200
        Re: defining functions Thomas 'PointedEars' Lahn <PointedEars@web.de> - 2011-11-14 19:49 +0100
          Re: defining functions "J.R." <groups_jr-1@yahoo.com.br> - 2011-11-14 17:00 -0200

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