JavaScript Function Expression

A function expression is a way to define a function as part of an expression making it versatile for assigning to variables, passing as arguments, or invoking immediately.

• Function expressions can be named or anonymous.
• They are not hoisted, meaning they are accessible only after their definition.
• Frequently used in callbacks, closures, and dynamic function creation.
• Enable encapsulation of functionality within a limited scope.

const greet = function(name) {
    return `Hello, ${name}!`;
};
console.log(greet("Ananya"));

Hello, Ananya!

In this code

• The function(name) creates an anonymous function assigned to the greet variable.
• The function takes name as a parameter and returns a greeting string.
• Calling greet("Ananya") invokes the function and outputs the greeting.

Syntax

const fName = function(params) {
    // function body
};

• fName: Variable storing the function.
• function(params): Defines the function. Parameters are optional.
• { // function body }: Contains the logic to execute when the function is called.

Named vs Anonymous Function Expressions

Anonymous Function Expression: The function has no name and is typically assigned to a variable.

const sum = function(a, b) {
    return a + b;
};
console.log(sum(5, 3));

8

Named Function Expression: The function is given a name, which is useful for recursion or debugging.

const factorial = function fact(n) {
    if (n === 0) return 1;
    return n * fact(n - 1);
};
console.log(factorial(5));

120

Use Cases of Function Expressions

1. Storing in Variables

Function expressions are often assigned to variables for easy reuse.

const add = function(x, y) {
    return x + y;
};
console.log(add(3, 5)); 

8

2. Callback Functions

They are commonly used as arguments in higher-order functions.

setTimeout(function() {
    console.log("This message appears after 3 seconds!");
}, 3000);

Output

This message appears after 3 seconds!

3. Event Handlers

Function expressions are ideal for event listeners.

document.querySelector("button").addEventListener("click", function() {
    console.log("Button clicked!");
});

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4. Self-Invoking Functions

Function expressions can be immediately executed.

(function() {
    console.log("This is a self-invoking function!");
})();

This is a self-invoking function!

Advantages of Function Expressions

• Flexibility: Can be used as callbacks, event handlers, or part of expressions.
• Encapsulation: Keeps the scope limited and avoids polluting the global namespace.
• Control Over Execution: Executes only when explicitly invoked.

Arrow Functions: A Variant of Function Expressions

Arrow functions are a concise and modern way to define function expressions. They are particularly useful for short, single-purpose functions.

const arrowFunc = (param1, param2) => param1 + param2;
console.log(arrowFunc(5, 7)); 

12

Key Features:

• Implicit return for single-line functions.
• No binding of this, making them unsuitable for methods requiring a this context.

Function Expression vs Declaration