In JavaScript, functions help save us time by allowing us to put our code into a set order of operations, and save it to be used again, rather than having to write out each step of the function each time we need them in our files.
function name(parameter1, ... , parameterN) {
// code
}
name // reference to function name
name(args) // invoking function name
The function keyword allows us to declare a new function. We provide this declaration a name to be used when referencing or invoking the function we declared. We follow the name with ( ) that contain any parameters needed by our function; when our function is invoked, arguments that fit these parameters will be provided to our function to allow it to run. Finally, our declaration has the { } with the code for the function inside of it.
Now that you’ve made a function, you’re going to want to use it in your site. The name of the function is what you’ll use for this step, and it’s good practice to use a name that provides clarity for the use of the function. In order to invoke or execute your function, write the name, followed by ( put needed arguments here ); this will run the function with the provided arguments. If you forget the ( ), you will instead get the function definition, rather than invoking it.