What is the difference between IIFEs and regular functions?

What is the difference between IIFEs and regular functions?

IIFEs, or Immediately Invoked Function Expressions, are functions that run as soon as they are defined. Regular functions, on the other hand, need to be called explicitly.

Can you give me an example of an IIFE?

Sure! Here's a simple example: (function() { console.log('Hello, IIFE!'); })(); This function runs immediately after it's defined.

What are the benefits of using IIFEs?

IIFEs help in creating a private scope, preventing variable collisions in the global scope, and can also be used for module patterns.

Are there any downsides to using IIFEs?

One downside is that they can make code harder to read for beginners, and if overused, they can lead to unnecessary complexity.

When should I use an IIFE instead of a regular function?

Use an IIFE when you need to execute code immediately and want to avoid polluting the global scope, especially in larger applications.