Changing scope inside javascript objects

Question

I'm still confused when it comes to scope when working with object's methods. In the code below I have two neighbors. Each has it's own method.

var counter = 0;
var neighbor1 = {
  name: 'John',
  myFunction: function () {
    console.log(this.name)
    this.doStuff();
  }
};
var neighbor2 = {
  name: 'Bob',
  doOtherStuff: function () {
    console.log(this.name);
    if(counter>5) {
      return false;
    } else {
      counter++;
      this.myFunction();
    }
  }
};

neighbor1.doStuff = neighbor2.doOtherStuff;

neighbor1.myFunction();

I understand when I call the neighbor1.myFunction method that it will call the neighbor2.doOtherStuff method because I've used the assignment operator above. What I don't understand is why 'this' will always be the neighbor1 object (John) and never the neighbor2 object (Bob). Can someone please explain in simple terms why neighbor1 is always 'this'? Thanks!

Isaac · Accepted Answer · 2018-06-28 00:39:36Z

1

this is always referring/pointing to execution context(from where you executing the function, not from where you writing the function). You're invoking this.doStuff() at neighbor1 and hence the this is always pointing to neighbor1.

If you wish to understand more about this, I would recommend study this awesome material

answered Jun 28, 2018 at 0:39

Isaac

13k18 gold badges66 silver badges135 bronze badges

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

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Changing scope inside javascript objects

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related