As you have seen in the previous examples, JavaScript functions are defined with the function keyword.

Functions can also be defined with a built-in JavaScript function constructor called Function().

Example

const myFunction = new Function("a", "b", "return a * b");

let x = myFunction(4, 3);

You actually don't have to use the function constructor. The example above is the same as writing:

Example

const myFunction = function (a, b) {return a * b};

let x = myFunction(4, 3);
 

Most of the time, you can avoid using the new keyword in JavaScript.

 

Function Hoisting

Earlier in this tutorial, you learned about "hoisting" (JavaScript Hoisting).

Hoisting is JavaScript's default behavior of moving declarations to the top of the current scope.

Hoisting applies to variable declarations and to function declarations.

Because of this, JavaScript functions can be called before they are declared:

myFunction(5);

function myFunction(y) {
  return y * y;
}

Functions defined using an expression are not hoisted.


Self-Invoking Functions

Function expressions can be made "self-invoking".

A self-invoking expression is invoked (started) automatically, without being called.

Function expressions will execute automatically if the expression is followed by ().

You cannot self-invoke a function declaration.

You have to add parentheses around the function to indicate that it is a function expression:

Example

(function () {
  let x = "Hello!!";  // I will invoke myself
})();
 

The function above is actually an anonymous self-invoking function (function without name).


Functions Can Be Used as Values

JavaScript functions can be used as values:

Example

function myFunction(a, b) {
  return a * b;
}

let x = myFunction(4, 3);
 

JavaScript functions can be used in expressions:

Example

function myFunction(a, b) {
  return a * b;
}

let x = myFunction(4, 3) * 2;



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