assign a function to a global variable in javascript

Question

I have a function like this:-

function test() {
    // code here
}

I want to assign the function test() to a global variable so that I should be able to call the function from elsewhere in the script using window.newName(). How can I assign this?

I tried window.newName = test();, but it didn't work. Please advice.

Tried window.newName = test;?

user529758
– user529758

2012-12-18 14:27:50 +00:00
Commented Dec 18, 2012 at 14:27 — user529758
– user529758, Commented Dec 18, 2012 at 14:27

Fenton · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-18 14:28:07Z

3

You are close:

window.newName = test;

If you include the braces, as you did, it will assign the result of executing the function, rather than the function itself.

answered Dec 18, 2012 at 14:28

Fenton

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1 Comment

Sparky Over a year ago

then I can call the function like window.newName() ?

Tomer · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-18 14:29:15Z

2

When using window.newName = test() you are actually activating the function and that way, the variable will get the value returned from the function (if any) and not a reference to the function.

You should do it like this:

window.newName = test;

answered Dec 18, 2012 at 14:29

Tomer

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Comments

user529758 · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-18 14:29:22Z

1

Don't call the variable, just assign it:

window.newName = test;

If you don't need to call it using its original name, you can use a function expression as well:

window.newName = function() {
    // code here
};

answered Dec 18, 2012 at 14:29

user529758

Comments

freethejazz · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-18 14:33:59Z

1

When you do window.newName = test(), it really means "call test, and assign its return value to window.newName.

What you want is window.newName = test;

answered Dec 18, 2012 at 14:33

freethejazz

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