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JavaScript Callback Functions in JavaScript Introduction to Callback Functions Anonymous Function as Arrow Functions

Roald Jurrian Kamman
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Roald Jurrian Kamman
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 15,544 Points

Keep It Stupidly Simple KISS on arrow functions.

Are arrow functions really necessary beyond making the syntax shorter?

To be clear I don't think shorter syntax means more readable syntax. For the same reason that you wouldn't like editing a .min file.

It's something I have noticed with coding that there is a lot of unnecessary over-complication.

Personally I always revert arrow syntax back into regular function() expressions in my projects. I find it easier to keep track of what's going on that way.

Maybe it's just personal preference.

To be clear I'm not complaining about it and I think it's great that we learn about it so that when we encounter it we are able to work with it and read/edit it.

The whole thing just seems redundant to me. I would trade simplicity over complexity any day as long as the results on the end product are the same.

Does using arrow functions make the end product considerably faster in terms of loading speed or any other results that I'm unaware of? I would love to hear if there is another good reason to use arrow syntax. Thanks!

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,109 Points

Arrow functions mainly make the code more concise, particularly if you use the compact form.

But it's important to recognize that they work differently from conventional functions, though the differences will only be pertinent in certain situations.

For more details on the differences, see the MDN page on Arrow function expressions.

I would like to say I find arrow functions good to work with on mathematical problems (using numbers) however I prefer using function declarations when working mostly with (word based) programming so that I can read it easier albeit I don't have that much experience yet in projects. Is this ok Steven Parker, In your experience?