Is there any difference between declaring a variable:
var a=0; //1
...this way:
a=0; //2
...or:
window.a=0; //3
in global scope?
Yes, there are a couple of differences, though in practical terms they're not usually big ones.
There's a fourth way, and as of ES2015 (ES6) there's two more. I've added the fourth way at the end, but inserted the ES2015 ways after #1 (you'll see why), so we have:
var a = 0; // 1
let a = 0; // 1.1 (new with ES2015)
const a = 0; // 1.2 (new with ES2015)
a = 0; // 2
window.a = 0; // 3
this.a = 0; // 4
Those statements explained
#1 var a = 0;
This creates a global variable which is also a property of the global object, which we access as window on browsers (or via this a global scope, in non-strict code). Unlike some other properties, the property cannot be removed via delete.
In specification terms, it creates an identifier binding on the object Environment Record for the global environment. That makes it a property of the global object because the global object is where identifier bindings for the global environment's object Environment Record are held. This is why the property is non-deletable: It's not just a simple property, it's an identifier binding.
The binding (variable) is defined before the first line of code runs (see "When var happens" below).
Note that on IE8 and earlier, the property created on window is not enumerable (doesn't show up in for..in statements). In IE9, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, it's enumerable.
#1.1 let a = 0;
This creates a global variable which is not a property of the global object. This is a new thing as of ES2015.
In specification terms, it creates an identifier binding on the declarative Environment Record for the global environment rather than the object Environment Record. The global environment is unique in having a split Environment Record, one for all the old stuff that goes on the global object (the object Environment Record) and another for all the new stuff (let, const, and the functions created by class) that don't go on the global object.
The binding is created before any step-by-step code in its enclosing block is executed (in this case, before any global code runs), but it's not accessible in any way until the step-by-step execution reaches the let statement. Once execution reaches the let statement, the variable is accessible. (See "When let and const happen" below.)
#1.2 const a = 0;
Creates a global constant, which is not a property of the global object.
const is exactly like let except that you must provide an initializer (the = value part), and you cannot change the value of the constant once it's created. Under the covers, it's exactly like let but with a flag on the identifier binding saying its value cannot be changed. Using const does three things for you:
Makes it a parse-time error if you try to assign to the constant.
Documents its unchanging nature for other programmers.
Lets the JavaScript engine optimize on the basis that it won't change.
#2 a = 0;
This creates a property on the global object implicitly. As it's a normal property, you can delete it. I'd recommend not doing this, it can be unclear to anyone reading your code later. If you use ES5's strict mode, doing this (assigning to a non-existent variable) is an error. It's one of several reasons to use strict mode.
And interestingly, again on IE8 and earlier, the property created not enumerable (doesn't show up in for..in statements). That's odd, particularly given #3 below.
#3 window.a = 0;
This creates a property on the global object explicitly, using the window global that refers to the global object (on browsers; some non-browser environments have an equivalent global variable, such as global on NodeJS). As it's a normal property, you can delete it.
This property is enumerable, on IE8 and earlier, and on every other browser I've tried.
#4 this.a = 0;
Exactly like #3, except we're referencing the global object through this instead of the global window. This won't work in strict mode, though, because in strict mode global code, this doesn't have a reference to the global object (it has the value undefined instead).
Deleting properties
What do I mean by "deleting" or "removing" a? Exactly that: Removing the property (entirely) via the delete keyword:
window.a = 0;
display("'a' in window? " + ('a' in window)); // displays "true"
delete window.a;
display("'a' in window? " + ('a' in window)); // displays "false"
delete completely removes a property from an object. You can't do that with properties added to window indirectly via var, the delete is either silently ignored or throws an exception (depending on the JavaScript implementation and whether you're in strict mode).
Warning: IE8 again (and presumably earlier, and IE9-IE11 in the broken "compatibility" mode): It won't let you delete properties of the window object, even when you should be allowed to. Worse, it throws an exception when you try (try this experiment in IE8 and in other browsers). So when deleting from the window object, you have to be defensive:
try {
delete window.prop;
}
catch (e) {
window.prop = undefined;
}
That tries to delete the property, and if an exception is thrown it does the next best thing and sets the property to undefined.
This only applies to the window object, and only (as far as I know) to IE8 and earlier (or IE9-IE11 in the broken "compatibility" mode). Other browsers are fine with deleting window properties, subject to the rules above.
When var happens
The variables defined via the var statement are created before any step-by-step code in the execution context is run, and so the property exists well before the var statement.
This can be confusing, so let's take a look:
display("foo in window? " + ('foo' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.foo = " + window.foo); // displays "undefined"
display("bar in window? " + ('bar' in window)); // displays "false"
display("window.bar = " + window.bar); // displays "undefined"
var foo = "f";
bar = "b";
display("foo in window? " + ('foo' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.foo = " + window.foo); // displays "f"
display("bar in window? " + ('bar' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.bar = " + window.bar); // displays "b"
Live example:
display("foo in window? " + ('foo' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.foo = " + window.foo); // displays "undefined"
display("bar in window? " + ('bar' in window)); // displays "false"
display("window.bar = " + window.bar); // displays "undefined"
var foo = "f";
bar = "b";
display("foo in window? " + ('foo' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.foo = " + window.foo); // displays "f"
display("bar in window? " + ('bar' in window)); // displays "true"
display("window.bar = " + window.bar); // displays "b"
function display(msg) {
var p = document.createElement('p');
p.innerHTML = msg;
document.body.appendChild(p);
}
As you can see, the symbol foo is defined before the first line, but the symbol bar isn't. Where the var foo = "f"; statement is, there are really two things: defining the symbol, which happens before the first line of code is run; and doing an assignment to that symbol, which happens where the line is in the step-by-step flow. This is known as "var hoisting" because the var foo part is moved ("hoisted") to the top of the scope, but the foo = "f" part is left in its original location. (See Poor misunderstood var on my anemic little blog.)
When let and const happen
let and const are different from var in a couple of ways. The way that's relevant to the question is that although the binding they define is created before any step-by-step code runs, it's not accessible until the let or const statement is reached.
So while this runs:
display(a); // undefined
var a = 0;
display(a); // 0
This throws an error:
display(a); // ReferenceError: a is not defined
let a = 0;
display(a);
The other two ways that let and const differ from var, which aren't really relevant to the question, are:
var always applies to the entire execution context (throughout global code, or throughout function code in the function where it appears), but let and const apply only within the block where they appear. That is, var has function (or global) scope, but let and const have block scope.
Repeating var a in the same context is harmless, but if you have let a (or const a), having another let a or a const a or a var a is a syntax error.
Here's an example demonstrating that let and const take effect immediately in their block before any code within that block runs, but aren't accessible until the let or const statement:
var a = 0;
console.log(a);
if (true)
{
console.log(a); // ReferenceError: a is not defined
let a = 1;
console.log(a);
}
Note that the second console.log fails, instead of accessing the a from outside the block.
Off-topic: Avoid cluttering the global object (window)
The window object gets very, very cluttered with properties. Whenever possible, strongly recommend not adding to the mess. Instead, wrap up your symbols in a little package and export at most one symbol to the window object. (I frequently don't export any symbols to the window object.) You can use a function to contain all of your code in order to contain your symbols, and that function can be anonymous if you like:
(function() {
var a = 0; // `a` is NOT a property of `window` now
function foo() {
alert(a); // Alerts "0", because `foo` can access `a`
}
})();
In that example, we define a function and have it executed right away (the () at the end).
A function used in this way is frequently called a scoping function. Functions defined within the scoping function can access variables defined in the scoping function because they're closures over that data (see: Closures are not complicated on my anemic little blog).
Keeping it simple :
a = 0
The code above gives a global scope variable
var a = 0;
This code will give a variable to be used in the current scope, and under it
window.a = 0;
This generally is same as the global variable.
<title>Index.html</title>
<script>
var varDeclaration = true;
noVarDeclaration = true;
window.hungOnWindow = true;
document.hungOnDocument = true;
</script>
<script src="external.js"></script>
/* external.js */
console.info(varDeclaration == true); // could be .log, alert etc
// returns false in IE8
console.info(noVarDeclaration == true); // could be .log, alert etc
// returns false in IE8
console.info(window.hungOnWindow == true); // could be .log, alert etc
// returns true in IE8
console.info(document.hungOnDocument == true); // could be .log, alert etc
// returns ??? in IE8 (untested!) *I personally find this more clugy than hanging off window obj
Is there a global object that all vars are hung off of by default? eg: 'globals.noVar declaration'
Bassed on the excellent answer of T.J. Crowder: (Off-topic: Avoid cluttering window)
This is an example of his idea:
Html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<script type="text/javascript" src="init.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">
MYLIBRARY.init(["firstValue", 2, "thirdValue"]);
</script>
<script src="script.js"></script>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello !</h1>
</body>
</html>
init.js (Based on this answer)
var MYLIBRARY = MYLIBRARY || (function(){
var _args = {}; // private
return {
init : function(Args) {
_args = Args;
// some other initialising
},
helloWorld : function(i) {
return _args[i];
}
};
}());
script.js
// Here you can use the values defined in the html as if it were a global variable
var a = "Hello World " + MYLIBRARY.helloWorld(2);
alert(a);
Here's the plnkr. Hope it help !
In global scope there is no semantic difference.
But you really should avoid a=0 since your setting a value to an undeclared variable.
Also use closures to avoid editing global scope at all
(function() {
// do stuff locally
// Hoist something to global scope
window.someGlobal = someLocal
}());
Always use closures and always hoist to global scope when its absolutely neccesary. You should be using asynchronous event handling for most of your communication anyway.
As #AvianMoncellor mentioned there is an IE bug with var a = foo only declaring a global for file scope. This is an issue with IE's notorious broken interpreter. This bug does sound familiar so it's probably true.
So stick to window.globalName = someLocalpointer
Related
This question already has answers here:
What is the purpose of the var keyword and when should I use it (or omit it)?
(19 answers)
Closed 7 years ago.
Is "var" optional?
myObj = 1;
same as ?
var myObj = 1;
I found they both work from my test, I assume var is optional. Is that right?
They mean different things.
If you use var the variable is declared within the scope you are in (e.g. of the function). If you don't use var, the variable bubbles up through the layers of scope until it encounters a variable by the given name or the global object (window, if you are doing it in the browser), where it then attaches. It is then very similar to a global variable. However, it can still be deleted with delete (most likely by someone else's code who also failed to use var). If you use var in the global scope, the variable is truly global and cannot be deleted.
This is, in my opinion, one of the most dangerous issues with javascript, and should be deprecated, or at least raise warnings over warnings. The reason is, it's easy to forget var and have by accident a common variable name bound to the global object. This produces weird and difficult to debug behavior.
This is one of the tricky parts of Javascript, but also one of its core features. A variable declared with var "begins its life" right where you declare it. If you leave out the var, it's like you're talking about a variable that you have used before.
var foo = 'first time use';
foo = 'second time use';
With regards to scope, it is not true that variables automatically become global. Rather, Javascript will traverse up the scope chain to see if you have used the variable before. If it finds an instance of a variable of the same name used before, it'll use that and whatever scope it was declared in. If it doesn't encounter the variable anywhere it'll eventually hit the global object (window in a browser) and will attach the variable to it.
var foo = "I'm global";
var bar = "So am I";
function () {
var foo = "I'm local, the previous 'foo' didn't notice a thing";
var baz = "I'm local, too";
function () {
var foo = "I'm even more local, all three 'foos' have different values";
baz = "I just changed 'baz' one scope higher, but it's still not global";
bar = "I just changed the global 'bar' variable";
xyz = "I just created a new global variable";
}
}
This behavior is really powerful when used with nested functions and callbacks. Learning about what functions are and how scope works is the most important thing in Javascript.
Nope, they are not equivalent.
With myObj = 1; you are using a global variable.
The latter declaration create a variable local to the scope you are using.
Try the following code to understand the differences:
external = 5;
function firsttry() {
var external = 6;
alert("first Try: " + external);
}
function secondtry() {
external = 7;
alert("second Try: " + external);
}
alert(external); // Prints 5
firsttry(); // Prints 6
alert(external); // Prints 5
secondtry(); // Prints 7
alert(external); // Prints 7
The second function alters the value of the global variable "external", but the first function doesn't.
There's a bit more to it than just local vs global. Global variables created with var are different than those created without. Consider this:
var foo = 1; // declared properly
bar = 2; // implied global
window.baz = 3; // global via window object
Based on the answers so far, these global variables, foo, bar, and baz are all equivalent. This is not the case. Global variables made with var are (correctly) assigned the internal [[DontDelete]] property, such that they cannot be deleted.
delete foo; // false
delete bar; // true
delete baz; // true
foo; // 1
bar; // ReferenceError
baz; // ReferenceError
This is why you should always use var, even for global variables.
There's so much confusion around this subject, and none of the existing answers cover everything clearly and directly. Here are some examples with comments inline.
//this is a declaration
var foo;
//this is an assignment
bar = 3;
//this is a declaration and an assignment
var dual = 5;
A declaration sets a DontDelete flag. An assignment does not.
A declaration ties that variable to the current scope.
A variable assigned but not declared will look for a scope to attach itself to. That means it will traverse up the food-chain of scope until a variable with the same name is found. If none is found, it will be attached to the top-level scope (which is commonly referred to as global).
function example(){
//is a member of the scope defined by the function example
var foo;
//this function is also part of the scope of the function example
var bar = function(){
foo = 12; // traverses scope and assigns example.foo to 12
}
}
function something_different(){
foo = 15; // traverses scope and assigns global.foo to 15
}
For a very clear description of what is happening, this analysis of the delete function covers variable instantiation and assignment extensively.
var is optional. var puts a variable in local scope. If a variable is defined without var, it is in global scope and not deletable.
edit
I thought that the non-deletable part was true at some point in time with a certain environment. I must have dreamed it.
Check out this Fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/GWr6Z/2/
function doMe(){
a = "123"; // will be global
var b = "321"; // local to doMe
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
b = "something else"; // still local (not global)
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
};
doMe()
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b); // `b` will not be defined, check console.log
They are not the same.
Undeclared variable (without var) are treated as properties of the global object. (Usually the window object, unless you're in a with block)
Variables declared with var are normal local variables, and are not visible outside the function they're declared in. (Note that Javascript does not have block scope)
Update: ECMAScript 2015
let was introduced in ECMAScript 2015 to have block scope.
The var keyword in Javascript is there for a purpose.
If you declare a variable without the var keyword, like this:
myVar = 100;
It becomes a global variable that can be accessed from any part of your script. If you did not do it intentionally or are not aware of it, it can cause you pain if you re-use the variable name at another place in your javascript.
If you declare the variable with the var keyword, like this:
var myVar = 100;
It is local to the scope ({] - braces, function, file, depending on where you placed it).
This a safer way to treat variables. So unless you are doing it on purpose try to declare variable with the var keyword and not without.
Consider this question asked at StackOverflow today:
Simple Javascript question
A good test and a practical example is what happens in the above scenario...
The developer used the name of the JavaScript function in one of his variables.
What's the problem with the code?
The code only works the first time the user clicks the button.
What's the solution?
Add the var keyword before the variable name.
Var doesn't let you, the programmer, declare a variable because Javascript doesn't have variables. Javascript has objects. Var declares a name to an undefined object, explicitly. Assignment assigns a name as a handle to an object that has been given a value.
Using var tells the Javacript interpreter two things:
not to use delegation reverse traversal look up value for the name, instead use this one
not to delete the name
Omission of var tells the Javacript interpreter to use the first-found previous instance of an object with the same name.
Var as a keyword arose from a poor decision by the language designer much in the same way that Javascript as a name arose from a poor decision.
ps. Study the code examples above.
Everything about scope aside, they can be used differently.
console.out(var myObj=1);
//SyntaxError: Unexpected token var
console.out(myObj=1);
//1
Something something statement vs expression
No, it is not "required", but it might as well be as it can cause major issues down the line if you don't. Not defining a variable with var put that variable inside the scope of the part of the code it's in. If you don't then it isn't contained in that scope and can overwrite previously defined variables with the same name that are outside the scope of the function you are in.
I just found the answer from a forum referred by one of my colleague. If you declare a variable outside a function, it's always global. No matter if you use var keyword or not. But, if you declare the variable inside a function, it has a big difference. Inside a function, if you declare the variable using var keyword, it will be local, but if you declare the variable without var keyword, it will be global. It can overwrite your previously declared variables. - See more at: http://forum.webdeveloperszone.com/question/what-is-the-difference-between-using-var-keyword-or-not-using-var-during-variable-declaration/#sthash.xNnLrwc3.dpuf
This question already has answers here:
What is the purpose of the var keyword and when should I use it (or omit it)?
(19 answers)
Closed 7 years ago.
Is "var" optional?
myObj = 1;
same as ?
var myObj = 1;
I found they both work from my test, I assume var is optional. Is that right?
They mean different things.
If you use var the variable is declared within the scope you are in (e.g. of the function). If you don't use var, the variable bubbles up through the layers of scope until it encounters a variable by the given name or the global object (window, if you are doing it in the browser), where it then attaches. It is then very similar to a global variable. However, it can still be deleted with delete (most likely by someone else's code who also failed to use var). If you use var in the global scope, the variable is truly global and cannot be deleted.
This is, in my opinion, one of the most dangerous issues with javascript, and should be deprecated, or at least raise warnings over warnings. The reason is, it's easy to forget var and have by accident a common variable name bound to the global object. This produces weird and difficult to debug behavior.
This is one of the tricky parts of Javascript, but also one of its core features. A variable declared with var "begins its life" right where you declare it. If you leave out the var, it's like you're talking about a variable that you have used before.
var foo = 'first time use';
foo = 'second time use';
With regards to scope, it is not true that variables automatically become global. Rather, Javascript will traverse up the scope chain to see if you have used the variable before. If it finds an instance of a variable of the same name used before, it'll use that and whatever scope it was declared in. If it doesn't encounter the variable anywhere it'll eventually hit the global object (window in a browser) and will attach the variable to it.
var foo = "I'm global";
var bar = "So am I";
function () {
var foo = "I'm local, the previous 'foo' didn't notice a thing";
var baz = "I'm local, too";
function () {
var foo = "I'm even more local, all three 'foos' have different values";
baz = "I just changed 'baz' one scope higher, but it's still not global";
bar = "I just changed the global 'bar' variable";
xyz = "I just created a new global variable";
}
}
This behavior is really powerful when used with nested functions and callbacks. Learning about what functions are and how scope works is the most important thing in Javascript.
Nope, they are not equivalent.
With myObj = 1; you are using a global variable.
The latter declaration create a variable local to the scope you are using.
Try the following code to understand the differences:
external = 5;
function firsttry() {
var external = 6;
alert("first Try: " + external);
}
function secondtry() {
external = 7;
alert("second Try: " + external);
}
alert(external); // Prints 5
firsttry(); // Prints 6
alert(external); // Prints 5
secondtry(); // Prints 7
alert(external); // Prints 7
The second function alters the value of the global variable "external", but the first function doesn't.
There's a bit more to it than just local vs global. Global variables created with var are different than those created without. Consider this:
var foo = 1; // declared properly
bar = 2; // implied global
window.baz = 3; // global via window object
Based on the answers so far, these global variables, foo, bar, and baz are all equivalent. This is not the case. Global variables made with var are (correctly) assigned the internal [[DontDelete]] property, such that they cannot be deleted.
delete foo; // false
delete bar; // true
delete baz; // true
foo; // 1
bar; // ReferenceError
baz; // ReferenceError
This is why you should always use var, even for global variables.
There's so much confusion around this subject, and none of the existing answers cover everything clearly and directly. Here are some examples with comments inline.
//this is a declaration
var foo;
//this is an assignment
bar = 3;
//this is a declaration and an assignment
var dual = 5;
A declaration sets a DontDelete flag. An assignment does not.
A declaration ties that variable to the current scope.
A variable assigned but not declared will look for a scope to attach itself to. That means it will traverse up the food-chain of scope until a variable with the same name is found. If none is found, it will be attached to the top-level scope (which is commonly referred to as global).
function example(){
//is a member of the scope defined by the function example
var foo;
//this function is also part of the scope of the function example
var bar = function(){
foo = 12; // traverses scope and assigns example.foo to 12
}
}
function something_different(){
foo = 15; // traverses scope and assigns global.foo to 15
}
For a very clear description of what is happening, this analysis of the delete function covers variable instantiation and assignment extensively.
var is optional. var puts a variable in local scope. If a variable is defined without var, it is in global scope and not deletable.
edit
I thought that the non-deletable part was true at some point in time with a certain environment. I must have dreamed it.
Check out this Fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/GWr6Z/2/
function doMe(){
a = "123"; // will be global
var b = "321"; // local to doMe
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
b = "something else"; // still local (not global)
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
};
doMe()
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b); // `b` will not be defined, check console.log
They are not the same.
Undeclared variable (without var) are treated as properties of the global object. (Usually the window object, unless you're in a with block)
Variables declared with var are normal local variables, and are not visible outside the function they're declared in. (Note that Javascript does not have block scope)
Update: ECMAScript 2015
let was introduced in ECMAScript 2015 to have block scope.
The var keyword in Javascript is there for a purpose.
If you declare a variable without the var keyword, like this:
myVar = 100;
It becomes a global variable that can be accessed from any part of your script. If you did not do it intentionally or are not aware of it, it can cause you pain if you re-use the variable name at another place in your javascript.
If you declare the variable with the var keyword, like this:
var myVar = 100;
It is local to the scope ({] - braces, function, file, depending on where you placed it).
This a safer way to treat variables. So unless you are doing it on purpose try to declare variable with the var keyword and not without.
Consider this question asked at StackOverflow today:
Simple Javascript question
A good test and a practical example is what happens in the above scenario...
The developer used the name of the JavaScript function in one of his variables.
What's the problem with the code?
The code only works the first time the user clicks the button.
What's the solution?
Add the var keyword before the variable name.
Var doesn't let you, the programmer, declare a variable because Javascript doesn't have variables. Javascript has objects. Var declares a name to an undefined object, explicitly. Assignment assigns a name as a handle to an object that has been given a value.
Using var tells the Javacript interpreter two things:
not to use delegation reverse traversal look up value for the name, instead use this one
not to delete the name
Omission of var tells the Javacript interpreter to use the first-found previous instance of an object with the same name.
Var as a keyword arose from a poor decision by the language designer much in the same way that Javascript as a name arose from a poor decision.
ps. Study the code examples above.
Everything about scope aside, they can be used differently.
console.out(var myObj=1);
//SyntaxError: Unexpected token var
console.out(myObj=1);
//1
Something something statement vs expression
No, it is not "required", but it might as well be as it can cause major issues down the line if you don't. Not defining a variable with var put that variable inside the scope of the part of the code it's in. If you don't then it isn't contained in that scope and can overwrite previously defined variables with the same name that are outside the scope of the function you are in.
I just found the answer from a forum referred by one of my colleague. If you declare a variable outside a function, it's always global. No matter if you use var keyword or not. But, if you declare the variable inside a function, it has a big difference. Inside a function, if you declare the variable using var keyword, it will be local, but if you declare the variable without var keyword, it will be global. It can overwrite your previously declared variables. - See more at: http://forum.webdeveloperszone.com/question/what-is-the-difference-between-using-var-keyword-or-not-using-var-during-variable-declaration/#sthash.xNnLrwc3.dpuf
i am reading Professional JavaScript for Web Developers
i got problem when reading "When the garbage collector runs, it marks all variables stored in memory. It then clears its mark off of variables that are in context and variables that are referenced by in-context variables."
i know when the object could not be reached by any variables, the memory associated would be reclaimed.
What does "variables that are in context" mean? Are they variables that could be found in the scope chain? But what about the "variables that are referenced by in-context variables"?
i am confused.
I'm assuming it's to avoid accidentally deleting variables used in a closure. In javascript, just like any other functional language, just being unreachable is not enough to tell you weather you should delete an object.
Take for example the following code:
function a () {
var x=0;
return function () {
alert(x++);
}
}
var b = a();
// at this point, the instance of `x` created by calling `a` is
// no longer reachable but we are still using it in the closure.
If we follow just the "unreachability" rule then the closure created would lose the variable x.
Consider this:
(function(){
var sobriety = [];
window.inception = function() {
var i = 0,
j = 0,
inner_level = { i: i },
level = { level: inner_level },
food = {};
return function() {
var new_level = {
level: level.level
};
new_level[i] = 'step ' + i;
new_level.level.i = i;
sobriety[i++] = new_level;
};
};
window.show_my_sobriety = function() { console.log(sobriety); };
})();
var agent = inception();
agent(); agent(); agent();
show_my_sobriety();
JS Fiddle.
I admit this example is somewhat sophisticated, but I just had to make it to show the difference between i (a primitive) and inner_level (a reference type).
Here we have a module with one sobriety variable local to it, and two functions made global (by assigning them to properties of window object). Note that these global functions will have access to sobriety variable even after the module which has it defined is finished (in-context).
inception function, when invoked, defines five variables: two scalar (i and j) and three reference (inner_level, level and food), then defines a function and return it.
This function apparently access i and level (the same context), and sobriety (the outer level context) - but not j and food. Hence latter would be collected by GC right after window.inception is complete; the former, though, stay uncollected - because they're referred by the inner functions.
Now the tricky part. While you don't see access for inner_level in this function, it's still accessed - as it's a value of level property of the same-named object. And, when you check the results, you'd see that all three elements have the same level.i value - equal to 2. That's what's understood by "variables that are referenced by in-context variables".
I'm reading the Backbone.js documents and am seeing a lot of code that assigns attributes to the window object:
window.something = "whatever";
What's the difference between calling this code, and just assigning the variable and creating a global variable, like this:
something = "whatever";
I assume there is some kind of scope difference, and/or object ownership difference (window being the owner vs. not), but I am interested in the detail between the two and why I would use window vs. not use it.
No difference. They both have the same effect (In the browser, where window is the global context1).
window.foo = "bar" sets the property foo on window.
foo = "bar" indicates either a typo or intentionally global.
Since I have to double check whether it's a typo or not, I personally find it more readable to set window.foo directly.
Also, in ES5 strict mode, foo = "bar" is an illegal assignment because foo is not declared and will throw a Error.
Edit:
As noted in the comments, foo = "bar" will look all the way up the scope chain for the variable foo and re-assign it with "bar" if it's found. If it's not found, it will create a new global variable.
Also with window.foo = "bar" you're just assigning a property to an object, which can be deleted using delete window.foo.
In ES5 strict mode it is invalid to delete a variable.
1 In other environments, such as node.js and Web Workers, there may be another name for the global object and window may not exist at all. Node.js uses global and Web Workers use self.
They both kind of do the same thing. But by accessing a window property, you know for sure that you're accessing a global variable no matter what scope you're in.
For example:
globalVar = "smth";
function(){
var globalVar = 2;
alert(globalVar); // Points to the current scope globalVar
alert(window.globalVar); // Points to the original globalVar
}
In other words, If you want to work with globals, it's somewhat safer to access them via their container: window.variable
The key, as Raynos alluded to, is that it's set explicitly on the window object. In the browser, the global object is the same as the window object but in other environments (e.g., Node.js, or perhaps running in a web view of some sort on a mobile device), it may not.
The difference is that window.foo = bar; cannot be intercepted by refactoring done later.
Using foo = bar; means that if, at a later date, the code is moved into a closure where var foo has been defined, it will no longer set it on the global object.
Adding one more point:
If you refer an undeclared variable directly (without using - window or typeof) then you will get a variable is not defined error.
Examples:
// var unDecVariable
if (unDecVariable != null) // Error: unDecVariable is not defined
{
// do something
}
if (window.unDecVariable != null) // No Error
{
// do something
}
if (typeof unDecVariable != 'undefined' && unDecVariable != null) // Alternative way
{
// do something
}
This question already has answers here:
What is the purpose of the var keyword and when should I use it (or omit it)?
(19 answers)
Closed 7 years ago.
Is "var" optional?
myObj = 1;
same as ?
var myObj = 1;
I found they both work from my test, I assume var is optional. Is that right?
They mean different things.
If you use var the variable is declared within the scope you are in (e.g. of the function). If you don't use var, the variable bubbles up through the layers of scope until it encounters a variable by the given name or the global object (window, if you are doing it in the browser), where it then attaches. It is then very similar to a global variable. However, it can still be deleted with delete (most likely by someone else's code who also failed to use var). If you use var in the global scope, the variable is truly global and cannot be deleted.
This is, in my opinion, one of the most dangerous issues with javascript, and should be deprecated, or at least raise warnings over warnings. The reason is, it's easy to forget var and have by accident a common variable name bound to the global object. This produces weird and difficult to debug behavior.
This is one of the tricky parts of Javascript, but also one of its core features. A variable declared with var "begins its life" right where you declare it. If you leave out the var, it's like you're talking about a variable that you have used before.
var foo = 'first time use';
foo = 'second time use';
With regards to scope, it is not true that variables automatically become global. Rather, Javascript will traverse up the scope chain to see if you have used the variable before. If it finds an instance of a variable of the same name used before, it'll use that and whatever scope it was declared in. If it doesn't encounter the variable anywhere it'll eventually hit the global object (window in a browser) and will attach the variable to it.
var foo = "I'm global";
var bar = "So am I";
function () {
var foo = "I'm local, the previous 'foo' didn't notice a thing";
var baz = "I'm local, too";
function () {
var foo = "I'm even more local, all three 'foos' have different values";
baz = "I just changed 'baz' one scope higher, but it's still not global";
bar = "I just changed the global 'bar' variable";
xyz = "I just created a new global variable";
}
}
This behavior is really powerful when used with nested functions and callbacks. Learning about what functions are and how scope works is the most important thing in Javascript.
Nope, they are not equivalent.
With myObj = 1; you are using a global variable.
The latter declaration create a variable local to the scope you are using.
Try the following code to understand the differences:
external = 5;
function firsttry() {
var external = 6;
alert("first Try: " + external);
}
function secondtry() {
external = 7;
alert("second Try: " + external);
}
alert(external); // Prints 5
firsttry(); // Prints 6
alert(external); // Prints 5
secondtry(); // Prints 7
alert(external); // Prints 7
The second function alters the value of the global variable "external", but the first function doesn't.
There's a bit more to it than just local vs global. Global variables created with var are different than those created without. Consider this:
var foo = 1; // declared properly
bar = 2; // implied global
window.baz = 3; // global via window object
Based on the answers so far, these global variables, foo, bar, and baz are all equivalent. This is not the case. Global variables made with var are (correctly) assigned the internal [[DontDelete]] property, such that they cannot be deleted.
delete foo; // false
delete bar; // true
delete baz; // true
foo; // 1
bar; // ReferenceError
baz; // ReferenceError
This is why you should always use var, even for global variables.
There's so much confusion around this subject, and none of the existing answers cover everything clearly and directly. Here are some examples with comments inline.
//this is a declaration
var foo;
//this is an assignment
bar = 3;
//this is a declaration and an assignment
var dual = 5;
A declaration sets a DontDelete flag. An assignment does not.
A declaration ties that variable to the current scope.
A variable assigned but not declared will look for a scope to attach itself to. That means it will traverse up the food-chain of scope until a variable with the same name is found. If none is found, it will be attached to the top-level scope (which is commonly referred to as global).
function example(){
//is a member of the scope defined by the function example
var foo;
//this function is also part of the scope of the function example
var bar = function(){
foo = 12; // traverses scope and assigns example.foo to 12
}
}
function something_different(){
foo = 15; // traverses scope and assigns global.foo to 15
}
For a very clear description of what is happening, this analysis of the delete function covers variable instantiation and assignment extensively.
var is optional. var puts a variable in local scope. If a variable is defined without var, it is in global scope and not deletable.
edit
I thought that the non-deletable part was true at some point in time with a certain environment. I must have dreamed it.
Check out this Fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/GWr6Z/2/
function doMe(){
a = "123"; // will be global
var b = "321"; // local to doMe
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
b = "something else"; // still local (not global)
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b);
};
doMe()
alert("a:"+a+" -- b:"+b); // `b` will not be defined, check console.log
They are not the same.
Undeclared variable (without var) are treated as properties of the global object. (Usually the window object, unless you're in a with block)
Variables declared with var are normal local variables, and are not visible outside the function they're declared in. (Note that Javascript does not have block scope)
Update: ECMAScript 2015
let was introduced in ECMAScript 2015 to have block scope.
The var keyword in Javascript is there for a purpose.
If you declare a variable without the var keyword, like this:
myVar = 100;
It becomes a global variable that can be accessed from any part of your script. If you did not do it intentionally or are not aware of it, it can cause you pain if you re-use the variable name at another place in your javascript.
If you declare the variable with the var keyword, like this:
var myVar = 100;
It is local to the scope ({] - braces, function, file, depending on where you placed it).
This a safer way to treat variables. So unless you are doing it on purpose try to declare variable with the var keyword and not without.
Consider this question asked at StackOverflow today:
Simple Javascript question
A good test and a practical example is what happens in the above scenario...
The developer used the name of the JavaScript function in one of his variables.
What's the problem with the code?
The code only works the first time the user clicks the button.
What's the solution?
Add the var keyword before the variable name.
Var doesn't let you, the programmer, declare a variable because Javascript doesn't have variables. Javascript has objects. Var declares a name to an undefined object, explicitly. Assignment assigns a name as a handle to an object that has been given a value.
Using var tells the Javacript interpreter two things:
not to use delegation reverse traversal look up value for the name, instead use this one
not to delete the name
Omission of var tells the Javacript interpreter to use the first-found previous instance of an object with the same name.
Var as a keyword arose from a poor decision by the language designer much in the same way that Javascript as a name arose from a poor decision.
ps. Study the code examples above.
Everything about scope aside, they can be used differently.
console.out(var myObj=1);
//SyntaxError: Unexpected token var
console.out(myObj=1);
//1
Something something statement vs expression
No, it is not "required", but it might as well be as it can cause major issues down the line if you don't. Not defining a variable with var put that variable inside the scope of the part of the code it's in. If you don't then it isn't contained in that scope and can overwrite previously defined variables with the same name that are outside the scope of the function you are in.
I just found the answer from a forum referred by one of my colleague. If you declare a variable outside a function, it's always global. No matter if you use var keyword or not. But, if you declare the variable inside a function, it has a big difference. Inside a function, if you declare the variable using var keyword, it will be local, but if you declare the variable without var keyword, it will be global. It can overwrite your previously declared variables. - See more at: http://forum.webdeveloperszone.com/question/what-is-the-difference-between-using-var-keyword-or-not-using-var-during-variable-declaration/#sthash.xNnLrwc3.dpuf