


Understanding Immediately Invoked Function Expressions (IIFE) in JavaScript
Jul 04, 2025 am 02:42 AMIIFE (Immediately Invoked Function Expression) is a function expression executed immediately after definition, used to isolate variables and avoid contaminating global scope. It is called by wrapping the function in parentheses to make it an expression and a pair of brackets immediately followed by, like (function() { /code / })(); . Its core uses include: 1. Avoid variable conflicts and prevent duplication of naming between multiple scripts; 2. Create a private scope to make variables within the function invisible; 3. Modular code to facilitate initialization without exposing too many variables. Common writing methods include versions passed with parameters and ES6 arrow function versions, but note that expressions must be used, ending semicolons cannot be omitted, and function declarations cannot be directly executed. Mastering IIFE can help you understand old project structures and improve code security.
IIFE (Immediately Invoked Function Expression) is a very practical concept in JavaScript that is a bit confusing for beginners. Simply put, it is a function expression that is executed immediately after definition. This writing method can achieve variable isolation and avoid contaminating the global scope. It is often used in modular code or initialization scripts.

What is IIFE?
The core of IIFE is: the function is executed immediately after it is defined . Its basic structure is as follows:

(function() { // The code here will be executed immediately})();
This function is wrapped in brackets and becomes an expression, and then called it immediately after a pair of brackets ()
. The advantage of this is that variables inside the function are not "leaked" into the global scope.
For example:

var name = "global"; (function() { var name = "local"; console.log(name); // Output "local" })(); console.log(name); // Output "global"
It can be seen that the internal name
variable does not affect the external variable of the same name.
Why use IIFE?
There are several main reasons for using IIFE:
- Avoid variable conflicts : especially when multiple script files are loaded together, prevent duplicate naming.
- Create a private scope : variables defined inside the function are not visible to the outside, forming a closed environment.
- Modular code : Initialization work can be completed without exposing too many variables.
For example, early jQuery plug-ins often used IIFE to encapsulate their own logic to prevent conflicts with other libraries:
(function($) { // Use $ to operate jQuery safely })(jQuery);
This way, even if $
is occupied by other libraries, it can be ensured that inside the function it represents jQuery.
How to write an IIFE?
The writing method is actually very fixed, just remember a few key points:
- Functions must be expressions (so they must be wrapped in brackets)
- Finally, add a pair of brackets to execute it
Common writing methods include:
(function() { /* code */ })(); // Common writing methods (function() { /* code */ }()); // Also legal, the effect is the same
You can also pass in with parameters:
(function(a, b) { console.log(ab); })(10, 20); // Output 30
In ES6, you can also use the abbreviation of arrow functions:
(() => { console.log("Hello from IIFE"); })();
However, it should be noted that this
in the arrow function inherits from the outer scope, which is slightly different from other functions.
Notes and common mistakes
Although IIFE is useful, there are several error-prone places when writing:
- Forgot parentheses : If the function is not wrapped in brackets, writing
(function(){})()
directly will cause an error. - Missing ending semicolons : Especially in compressed code, it may lead to syntax errors.
- Misunderstanding the difference between function declarations and function expressions : function declarations cannot be executed directly with brackets.
For example, the following writing method will cause an error:
function() { // code }(); // An error occurred! Because this is a function declaration, not an expression
The correct way to do this is to turn it into an expression:
(function() { // code })(); // correct
Basically that's it. Mastering IIFE can not only help you understand the writing of many old projects and plug-ins, but also allow you to write cleaner and safer JavaScript code. Although there are now module systems (such as ES Modules), IIFE is still very useful in some specific scenarios.
The above is the detailed content of Understanding Immediately Invoked Function Expressions (IIFE) in JavaScript. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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