Confusion over method and function

Question

Hi Guys
Here is a code challenge question that generated a lot of confusion for me:
"Create a method called 'isValidEmail' that takes one argument that returns true when a string with an '@' symbol is passed, false if not."
the answer that was accepted is:
function isValidEmail(email){ 
  return email.indexOf('@') != -1; 
}
My question is, why do they ask for a method when a method is a function in an object?
ie
 var object = {
             method: function(){}
 }
The final answer is not nested in curly braces which makes me wonder why I am asked to create a method.
I would also like to know how the answer to this question is boolean
Thanks for your input.

Dino Paškvan · Accepted Answer

This is true, for most programming languages, but strictly speaking, in JavaScript, all functions are methods.
When you define a function in JavaScript (inside the global scope), it actually becomes a property of the global object. Try doing this:
```
function test() {
    console.log("I am actually a method.");
}
// You can invoke it "normally"
test(); // output: I am actually a method.
// You can invoke it as a method on the global object (inside a browser, that object is window)
window.test(); // output: I am actually a method.
// Or inside the global scope, you can refer to the global object by using this
this.test(); // output: I am actually a method.
```
I agree, the challenge wording is a bit confusing, and it's much better to refer to functions as functions and use methods for functions attached to objects, but I repeat, strictly speaking, in JavaScript, all functions are methods.

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Nthulane Makgato

Nthulane Makgato

Confusion over method and function

1 Answer

Dino Paškvan

Dino Paškvan