Introduction To First Class Functions In JavaScript

In this blog post we will see, what exactly is first class functions in javascript. Before understanding directly what are first class functions in javascript, let's first understand some common terms like Function Statement, Function Expression, Function Declaration, Anonymous Function, Named Function Expression, Function Arguments and Function Parameters.

So Let's Get Started

✔ Function Statement

The function statement defines or declares the function, it will not be used directly until and unless you invoked it.
Example :-

function a() {
  console.log("a called");
}
a();

a called

✔ Function Expression

A function expression is stored in variables like var, const and let. The difference between a function expression and a function statement is the function name, which can be omitted in function expressions to create anonymous functions.
Example :-

var b  = function () {
  console.log("b called");
}
b();

b called

✔ Difference Between Function Statement And Function Expression

The difference between these two is in hoisting point of view. Let's see how,
Function Statement Example :-

a();
function a() {
  console.log("a called");
}

a called

Function Expression Example :-

b();
var b = function () {
  console.log("b called");
}

TypeError: b is not a function

In short, function statements are hoisted but function expressions are not hoisted.

✔ Function Declaration

Function Statement and Function Declaration are same.

✔ Anonymous Function

Function without a name is called as anonymous function, they does not have their own identity.

function () {

}

SyntaxError: Function statements require a function name

Anonymous functions are used in a place where functions are used as values i.e we can assign anonymous function to a variable.

✔ Named Function Expression

Here instead of using anonymous function, we are using function with a name.
Example :-

var b = function xyz() {
  console.log("b called");
}
b();

b called

Example (Corner Case) :-

var b = function xyz() {
  console.log("b called");
}
xyz();

ReferenceError: xyz is not defined

Example (Corner Case) :-

var b = function xyz(){
    console.log(xyz);
}
b();

ƒ xyz() { console.log(xyz); }

✔ Function Arguments And Function Parameters

Function arguments are the real values passed to the function while function parameters are the names listed in the function definition. parameters and arguments.png ✔ First Class Functions

The ability to use functions as value in variable and can be passed as an argument to another function and can be returned from functions is called as first class functions. Simply, we are using functions as values.
Example :-

var b = function(param){
    return function xyz(){

    };
};
console.log(b());

ƒ xyz() { }

Functions are the first-class citizens in JavaScript. We can pass functions to other functions as arguments, return them from other functions as values, and store them in variables.

Hope you liked this!

Introduction To First Class Functions In JavaScript

So Let's Get Started

Let's Get Connected 🤝:)