Question

If I have:

var myFunction = function() {
    var myInner = function() {
    }
}

then how do I call myFunction.myInner()?

Answer 1

Functions are scopes in JavaScript. You cannot call a function from within a function, unless, you declare it as a method. Some have suggested that you use objects or weird patterns, which may or may not be what you want…

If you want a “class-like” function with public/private methods and variables, do this:

//Declare your "class"
function Foo(specs) {

    //Can do whatever you want with specs
    //jQuery uses it to initialize plugin data ;)

    //These are examples of private variables
    var a = 1;
    var b = "b";

    //These are examples of public variables
    this.aa = 1;
    this.bb = "b";

    //This is a private method
    function Bar_Private(p0,p1) {...}

    //This is a public method
    this.Bar_Public = function(p0,p1) {...}

}

//Now to use it....
//Create an instance
var myInstance = new Foo();

//Using it
alert(myInstance.a);    //Reference Error
alert(myInstance.aa);   //Alerts 1

myInstance.Bar_Private(0,1);  //Reference Error
myInstance.Bar_Public(0,1);   //Calls Bar_Public with 0 and 1 as params

JavaScript does not have actual classes, but it is easiest to describe this pattern as “class-like”.

Obviously, you can add as many public/private methods, objects, etc. as you like.

Also note, DO NOT FORGET THE “new” OPERATOR WHEN CREATING AN INSTANCE WITH THIS PATTERN…if you do, then “this” is bound to your global space and can override other application data (name collisions).

Hope this helps, good luck!