Functions In JavaScript

In JavaScript, functions are blocks of reusable code that can be defined and called to perform specific tasks. Functions are a fundamental concept in JavaScript and are used to organize and encapsulate logic into manageable pieces. Here's how you can define and use functions in JavaScript:

  1. Function Declaration: You can declare a function using the function keyword followed by a name, a list of parameters enclosed in parentheses, and a block of code enclosed in curly braces.

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function greet(name) { console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`); }

To call the function:

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  • greet("John"); // Outputs: Hello, John!
  • Function Expression: You can also define functions as expressions by assigning them to variables or passing them as arguments to other functions.

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  • const add = function (a, b) { return a + b; }; const result = add(5, 3); // result is now 8
  • Arrow Functions (ES6): Arrow functions provide a concise syntax for writing functions, especially for small anonymous functions.

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  • const multiply = (x, y) => x * y;

    Arrow functions are especially useful for callbacks and when you want to maintain the lexical this context.

  • Function Parameters: Functions can accept zero or more parameters, which are placeholders for values you pass when calling the function. You can use these parameters within the function body.

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  • function greet(firstName, lastName) { console.log(`Hello, ${firstName} ${lastName}!`); }
  • Return Values: Functions can return values using the return statement. The returned value can be captured when the function is called.

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  • function add(a, b) { return a + b; } const sum = add(2, 3); // sum is now 5
  • Function Invocation: Functions are executed when they are called. You can call a function by using its name followed by parentheses.

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  • function sayHello() { console.log("Hello!"); } sayHello(); // Outputs: Hello!
  • Anonymous Functions: You can create functions without giving them a name, often used as callback functions or immediately invoked function expressions (IIFE).

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  • const result = (function () { return "I'm an anonymous function!"; })();
  • Function Scope: JavaScript functions have their own scope, which means variables declared within a function are only accessible within that function unless explicitly returned or used in a broader scope.

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  1. function exampleScope() { const localVar = "I'm local"; console.log(localVar); // Accessible here } console.log(localVar); // Error - localVar is not defined

These are the basics of working with functions in JavaScript. Functions are a crucial part of JavaScript programming and are used extensively for organizing code and creating reusable modules.