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jack twist
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 18,575 Pointsvar birdCounter = makeCounter(); Isn't the birdCounter a variable? But why when we call it, it becomes: birdCounter()
I tried assigning method to a variable in other files, but the variable can't be appended the '()'
2 Answers
Steven Parker
229,771 PointsSince calling makeCounter returns another function, then birdCounter contains a reference to that function. So even though birdCounter is a variable, since its contents refer to a function you can "call" it just like you would call a function.
And anytime you call a function you put parentheses after the name. If it used a parameter (this one does not), you would add an argument inside the parentheses.
JASON LEE
17,351 PointsGiven var birdCounter = makeCounter();
Therefore, birdCounter() essentially runs makeCounter()()
The added caveat is that since birdCounter() is a variable that has access to the (inner) function, it can retain the private scope count variable within the inner-function of makeCounter()
But that leads to another question, how come when I run birdCounter,not to be confused with birdCounter(), the count doesn't reset to 0?
Steven Parker
229,771 PointsWithout the parentheses, birdCounter is just a reference to the function, it doesn't call it (cause it to run).