Javascript - Recursive call

Question

If there is a recursive call to be made in Javascript, there are basically 2 ways to do it. First way being -

function a() {
a();
}

and second way -

function a() {
arguments.callee();
}

Questions - 1) Its given in many places that 2nd way is better than 1st, but there is no explanation.

2) Arguments.callee being deprecated, what is the alternative?

3) Is there a way to call a self invoked function recursively, and that too with the function being anonymous. like given below, without using arguments.callee or any other function inside it.

console.log((function() {
//Recursive call...how?
})()
);

Where did you read that the 2nd way is better? As for Question 2, you already listed an alternative. — tnw
– tnw, Commented Feb 27, 2015 at 20:08
possible duplicate of javascript: recursive anonymous function? — Tachyon
– Tachyon, Commented Feb 27, 2015 at 20:10

Thiago Duarte · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-27 20:18:41Z

1

1) Unless there's a good technical reason for this (you said you read this in many places but didn't give any references) I find the first way much better as it's more clear.

2) The alternative is exactly what you called the "first way".

3) You already solved the problem giving a name to the function so it's not anonymous anymore:

console.log((function a() {
    a();
})());

answered Feb 27, 2015 at 20:18

Thiago Duarte

9419 silver badges21 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

6 Comments

kushal bhandari Over a year ago

Thanks for the answer, question 3 has been edited. pls see it.

tnw Over a year ago

@kushalbhandari Why don't you just give the function a name? I really don't understand the arbitrary requirement you're adding. It seems like an unnecessary complication.

kushal bhandari Over a year ago

@tnw - Its a question that i got from a puzzle :)

tnw Over a year ago

@kushalbhandari stackoverflow.com/questions/3883780/…

kushal bhandari Over a year ago

@tnw - Other than adding a function inside it, or calling it using arguments.callee, did not find any other way.

|

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Javascript - Recursive call

1 Answer 1

6 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

6 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related