What's the difference between a method and a function?

In this tutorial we will see actual difference between a method and a function with examples.

A function is a set of statements for the purpose of code reusability. And it performs a task and can be called anywhere in your program. A function is a basic block for writing modular codes.

In general: a method belongs to a class and is similar to a function.

But in JavaScript, method is a function that belongs to an object. As everything in JavaScript is an object; including function, and an array.

Example for function

const power = function (base, exponent) {
  let result = 1;

  for (let count = 0; count < exponent; count++) {
    result *= base;
  }

  return result;
};

console.log(power(2, 4));
// Output → 16

Another example for function

const factorial = function (n) {
  return n > 2 ? n * factorial(n - 1) : 1;
};

console.log(factorial(5));
// Output → 120

Example for method

const celebrity = {
  firstName: "Aishwarya",
  lastName: "Rai",
  profession: "Actress",
  getFullName: function () {
    return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName;
  },
};

console.log(celebrity.getFullName());
// Output → Aishwarya Rai

Here method named getFullName is accessed via object i.e celebrity.getFullName().

Hope you learn something new. If this article was helpful, share with other.

Happy coding

Vishnu Damwala
Vishnu Damwala

A web geek, an industry experienced web developer & tutor/instructor residing in India 🇮🇳