Can't read global variables in a javascript function :(

Question

I am having a strange problem with global variables disappearing on me. Here is some stripped down semi-pseudo-code:

var globy = 99;

jQuery.get("file", function(){
  check();
})

function check(){
 main();
}

function main(){
 forloop
  whileloop
   forloop
    while(test()){}
}

function test(){
  //globy causes a reference error here
}

That should explain the code structure. All the way up to the test() function "globy" is fine but suddenly inside test() all global variables disappear. What the heck?

Mark Coleman · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-07 23:54:39Z

2

If you are wrapping everything in a $(document).ready() but have your test() function outside of the document ready you will have a scoping issue.

$(document).ready(function () {
    var globy = 99;

    jQuery.get("file", function () {
        check();
    })

    function check() {
        main();
    }

    function main() {
        forloop
        whileloop
        forloop
        while (test()) {}
    }
});

function test() {
    //globy causes a reference error here
}

Besides that it will be hard to say without the real js.

answered Mar 7, 2011 at 23:54

Mark Coleman

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1 Comment

Moss Over a year ago

Aha. You are right! I had test() actually in a separate file that I was including in at the top. I guess for now I can leave the document ready part out. Would getScript() allow me to pull the external script inside the $(document).ready()?

Dimitry · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-07 23:52:03Z

1

Your test() function is probably defined outside the scope where globy resides. Without more detail, it's hard to say.

answered Mar 7, 2011 at 23:52

Dimitry

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1 Comment

user236139 Over a year ago

A way to circumvent this is to use window.globy. If you must use globals, that is.

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