How do closures work in JavaScript?

Can you explain how closures work in JavaScript?

Sure! A closure is a function that retains access to its lexical scope, even when the function is executed outside that scope.

Can you give me an example of a closure?

Absolutely! Here's a simple example:

function outerFunction() {
    let outerVariable = 'I am from outer scope!';
    function innerFunction() {
        console.log(outerVariable);
    }
    return innerFunction;
}

const closureFunction = outerFunction();
closureFunction(); // Logs: 'I am from outer scope!'

Why are closures useful in JavaScript?

Closures are useful for data encapsulation, creating private variables, and maintaining state in asynchronous programming.

Can closures lead to memory leaks?

Yes, if closures are not managed properly, they can lead to memory leaks by keeping references to variables that are no longer needed.