Using a name instead of an anonymous function

Question

This is how I wrap all my JavaScript:

;(function($, window, undefined) {
    var document = window.document;
    var myFunction = function() {}
})(jQuery, window);

But now I have the need to call myFunction from outside of that closure.

window.addEventListener("offline", function(e) {
    myFunction();
}, false);

Q: How do I name the self executing anonymous function so that I can call myFunction from the global scope?

"name the self executing anonymous function", wouldn't that make it not anonymous? — Jason Sperske
– Jason Sperske, Commented Mar 27, 2013 at 17:33
Do you know that if you don't put var when declaring a variable in js, this put it in the global object? This would make it available from anywhere — Alexandre de Champeaux
– Alexandre de Champeaux, Commented Mar 27, 2013 at 17:35

Paul Grime · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-27 17:35:05Z

2

Assign the function to a property of whichever object/scope you want to use.

;(function($, window, undefined) {
    var document = window.document;
    var myFunction = function() {};
    window.myFunction = myFunction;
})(jQuery, window);

You'd preferably want to return something from your IIFE that encapsulates all your 'exports' though.

var exports = (function($, window, undefined) {
    var document = window.document;
    var myFunction = function() {};
    return {
        "myFunction": myFunction
    };
})(jQuery, window);

window.addEventListener("offline", function(e) {
    exports.myFunction();
}, false);

AMD is helpful for this style of programming.

answered Mar 27, 2013 at 17:35

Paul Grime

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1 Comment

Phillip Senn Over a year ago

Thanks Paul. I see you're from Sheffield. I used to listen to Boagworld all the time.

Wogan · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-27 17:34:35Z

2

Pretty easy, just attach your function to the global object (window):

;(function($, window, undefined) {
    var document = window.document;
    var myFunction = function() {}
    window.myNamedFunction = myFunction;
})(jQuery, window);

answered Mar 27, 2013 at 17:34

Wogan

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Comments

epascarello · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-27 17:33:25Z

1

Use a namespace and push that to the global scope.

window.yourNamespace = window.yourNamespace || {};
window.yourNamespace.myFunction = function() {};

answered Mar 27, 2013 at 17:33

epascarello

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