Why are functions assigned to variables in Angular

Question

Simple question about syntax. In Angular, I've seen functions inside a controller created like this:

this.multiply = function multiply(a, b) {
    return a * b; 
}

I'm a bit thrown of since the function is given a name and also assigned to a variable with. So my question is why are functions assigned to variables in Angular? Does this affect scope?

it just makes them publicly accessible to whoever has an instance to the controller. — Daniel A. White
– Daniel A. White, Commented Jun 7, 2015 at 23:17
More commonly you'll create something on scope in the viewmodel (controller) so your view has access to it (e.g. a click handler). — Jon Edwards
– Jon Edwards, Commented Jun 7, 2015 at 23:18
@DanielA.White, if you post your comment as an answer, I can accept it. Thanks. — AfterWorkGuinness
– AfterWorkGuinness, Commented Jun 7, 2015 at 23:19
To the people that keep down-voting, it would be helpful if you could illuminate what your problem with the question is. — AfterWorkGuinness
– AfterWorkGuinness, Commented Jun 8, 2015 at 15:18

Chandermani · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-07 23:22:49Z

3

This is standard JavaScript and this is called Named function Expression.

By using this you are defining it on controller. If you use controlleras syntax in views or while defining routes you can use such functions as well as any properties defined on this.

Earlier versions of Angular only employed $scope and everything had to be defined on $scope.

Now the controller itself is instantiated on scope depending upon controller name alias in controlleras

answered Jun 7, 2015 at 23:22

Chandermani

42.7k12 gold badges88 silver badges89 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Daniel A. White · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-07 23:21:13Z

1

It isn't assigning it to a variable. It is assigning it to the instance of the controller, with this; so whoever has an instance of the controller can call it.

answered Jun 7, 2015 at 23:21

Daniel A. White

192k49 gold badges389 silver badges474 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Why are functions assigned to variables in Angular

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related