Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trialAnthony c
20,907 PointsWhat is a "helper function"?
examples of people talking about helper functions:
https://forums.meteor.com/t/how-to-generate-iron-router-link-with-parameter-from-within-helper/14569
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5285892/why-are-helper-methods-frequently-used-in-javascript
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/14886950/javascript-anonymous-vs-helper-function
What is a "helper function" and how does it differ from other commonly referenced functions like prototype functions/anonymous functions etc.?
1 Answer
mkmk
15,897 PointsA helper function is a way to reduce complexity within other functions. For example, if you had a computation that needed to be made frequently within other functions, you might make a helper function which returns that computation and embed that function wherever you need it. Essentially, there is little difference between the structure of a helper function and other functions, though they should be small and generic.