Using an object in an anonymous settimeout javascript function

Question

I want to remove the clicked element from the page after a certain amount of time (1.5 seconds). Here is the code (including some background info):

function AttachEvent(element, type, handler) {
    if (element.addEventListener) {
        element.addEventListener(type, handler, false);
    } else if (element.attachEvent) {
        element.attachEvent('on' + type, handler)
    } else {
        element['on' + type] = handler;
    }
}

AttachEvent(window, "load", function() {

    AttachEvent(mydiv, "click", do_stuff); 
});

function do_stuff(e){
    e = e || window.event;
    var target = e.target || e.srcElement;  

    //some stuff        

    //remove object
    setTimeout('target.parentNode.removeChild(element);', 1500);
}

Internet Explorer complains about target being undefined in the anonymous function. How do I set this timeout in Internet Explorer?

What is element in setTimeout('target.parentNode.removeChild(element);', 1500);? — Will
– Will, Commented Mar 16, 2012 at 20:22
I don't know. I must have overlooked that when I initially inserted the code into my script. — reggie
– reggie, Commented Mar 16, 2012 at 20:41

Zeta · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-16 20:25:27Z

2

Don't use a string for setTimeout. Just don't. Instead pass an anonymous function (demo):

function do_stuff(e){
    e = e || window.event;
    var target = e.target || e.srcElement;  

    //some stuff        

    //remove object
    setTimeout(function(){target.parentNode.removeChild(target);}, 1500);
}

If you use the function above, the current value of target will be used inside of the anonymous function. If you pass a string, your browser looks for a global object named target, which will fail, since target a function scope variable.

answered Mar 16, 2012 at 20:25

Zeta

106k13 gold badges205 silver badges249 bronze badges

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

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Using an object in an anonymous settimeout javascript function

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related