how to return anonymous function in javascript

Question

<html>
    <head>
        <script>
             function test(){                   
                 return function(){
                  alert("hi");
                }                
             }
             test();
        </script>
    </head>
    <body>
    </body>
</html>

This is my code, can I ask why it doesnt work properly??

i just want testing around javascript and learn how it works — dramasea
– dramasea, Commented Jun 29, 2013 at 16:10

Dimitar Dimitrov · Accepted Answer · 2013-06-29 16:02:09Z

11

Because you're returning your function but not invoking it. Try this:

test()();

Here is a fiddle

answered Jun 29, 2013 at 16:02

Dimitar Dimitrov

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Comments

Claudio Redi · Accepted Answer · 2013-06-29 16:04:16Z

3

I think you might be confused. test() returns a function reference, but it won't execute it.

You could do something like this

var alertFunc = test(); // return function reference
alertFunc(); // call the function

answered Jun 29, 2013 at 16:04

Claudio Redi

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1 Comment

A. Wolff Over a year ago

this is better for sure ;)

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