2

Reading JavaScript Puzzlers!, I was following up until I came across this kind of situation.

The code

var name = "abc";
(function () {
    console.log(name);
    var name = "xyz";
    console.log(name);
}) ();

returns

undefined
xyz

But this one

var name = "abc";
(function () {
    console.log(name);
}) ();

returns

abc

I am confused, why is name undefined is the first code on the first call? I guess this is because of JavaScript hoisting and other reasons. In what do these two pieces of code differ?

Éric
  • 437
  • 3
  • 9
Livio
  • 300
  • 1
  • 10

1 Answers1

1

This has nothing to do with IIFE, this is just var hoisting as you guessed. You would have the same situation with a classic function.

The fact that you redeclared name somewhere in the IIFE cancels the global scope of name within this IIFE. So the first time you call name within your IIFE, it behaves as undeclared and is thus undefined.

You can test the var hoisting concept with this little fiddle by commenting and uncommenting a line.

Éric
  • 437
  • 3
  • 9