What does function($) mean in javascript?

Question

I realize that the $ is just sort of a convention for naming variables pointing to jQuery objects, and is also the function for document.getElementById(), but does function($) mean anything?

Edit: I actually meant

(function($) {
    /* ... */
})(jQuery);

Sorry for the confusion, but thanks for the answers.

Just function ( $ ) is not a complete statement, so it means nothing... — Šime Vidas
– Šime Vidas, Commented Sep 7, 2011 at 22:34
I found the following link useful as well: authenticsociety.com/blog/jQueryPluginTutorial_Beginner — pkr
– pkr, Commented Sep 8, 2011 at 2:17

Corbin · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-07 22:38:35Z

4

Some code uses $ for jQuery (or other libraries) to keep the global scope clean. By default, jQuery takes over $ in the global scope, however, if extensions and whatnot avoid using the global $, it can keep the scope clean, along with helping jQuery work with other libraries.

(function ($) {
    //$ is now a jquery instance
})(jQuery);

Basically it's a way to instantly execute code with a jQuery object without the function depending on a global-level variable. (Closures can also be created with it... But that's the same idea [in this situation].)

answered Sep 7, 2011 at 22:38

Corbin

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Demian Brecht · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-07 22:31:57Z

4

function($) is an anonymous function that receives the jQuery object as it's sole parameter (of course, you would expect it to be followed by an implementation within {} blocks).

answered Sep 7, 2011 at 22:31

Demian Brecht

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2 Comments

Justin Niessner Over a year ago

$ is a shortcut in many other JavaScript frameworks as well. In this case, it's simply a method parameter. Doesn't necessarily refer to a framework at all.

Demian Brecht Over a year ago

True, although $ is most commonly used for jQuery (and the OP mentions jQuery in his post)

Justin Niessner · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-07 22:33:18Z

2

It's an anonymous function that takes a single parameter named $.

answered Sep 7, 2011 at 22:33

Justin Niessner

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