setTimeout calling function inside function - Scope-Issue

Question

So, the problem is that I have a function inside a function that needs to be called by setTimeout. That doesn't work however because setTimeout will assume that the function it calls has the root as its' scope.

Any idea how I could solve this without changing the scope of the function?

Edit:

Here is what I mean:

function general(){
    function saysomething(){
        console.log('hi there');
    }
setTimeout("saysomething();", 1000);
}

The setTimeout fails..

What? Provide example code or clarify what are you asking about. — WTK
– WTK, Commented Nov 18, 2011 at 18:20
First argument of setTimeout requires you to specify a function object, not string. — iankit
– iankit, Commented Nov 7, 2014 at 9:44

12000 · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-18 21:53:35Z

10

function general(){
    function saysomething(){
        console.log('hi there');
    }
    setTimeout(saysomething, 1000);
}

edited Nov 18, 2011 at 21:53

12000

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answered Nov 18, 2011 at 18:31

Ben

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2 Comments

Ben Over a year ago

The scope chain of a JavaScript function is determined when the function is defined. By defining the callback function inside the body of general, you are ensuring that the callback function will be able to reference all the other variables defined inside of general, namely saysomething.

Bert Over a year ago

In other words, Ben is using a closure to save a reference to the saysomething function.

Johnny Craig · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-18 18:18:51Z

3

Not positive this is what you mean but you can pass the variables when you call the function in the setTimeout

function f1(){
    var a='1';
    var b='b';
    setTimeout(function(){f2(a,b);},1000)

}

function f2(a,b){
      alert(a + b);
}

f1();

answered Nov 18, 2011 at 18:18

Johnny Craig

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