JavaScript: define array in different way

Question

I have been messing around with the Google's JavaScript code and I saw in their code that they define array in different way.

What's so unique in writing array like that?

var arr = (['b' , 'f' , 's']);

why is the "()" in that code, it could be fine either like that:

var arr = ['b' , 'f' , 's'];

is it have purpose?

Thank you in advance.

Parens merely ensure that the expression inside them is evaluated before any operation involving that expression. In your case the parens don't make any difference... — Šime Vidas
– Šime Vidas, Commented Oct 20, 2011 at 23:17
Is it possible that you are checking the source of the Google Closure library? — Shedokan
– Shedokan, Commented Oct 20, 2011 at 23:21

Ry- · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-20 23:04:02Z

5

No! It has no purpose whatsoever in the language and can be safely removed. (It might have something to do with coding style or minification.)

answered Oct 20, 2011 at 23:04

Ry-♦

226k56 gold badges496 silver badges504 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

Šime Vidas Over a year ago

What do you mean by "in the language"? You mean generally?

Ry- Over a year ago

@ŠimeVidas: I mean that, for a random example, if the whole site had hash codes of each file and was designed to shut down the server if any had changed... it would matter. But if we're talking about a single piece of JavaScript, nothing more, it makes zero difference. A bit unnecessary, I guess :)

Ben Rowe · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-20 23:04:43Z

1

It's purely stylistic. The brackets don't change the meaning of the array in any way..

proof

answered Oct 20, 2011 at 23:04

Ben Rowe

28.8k6 gold badges58 silver badges76 bronze badges

1 Comment

jfriend00 Over a year ago

I think you used the wrong word. The brackets [] are required for the array notation. The parentheses () are optional.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

JavaScript: define array in different way

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related