See the following fiddle: /

I would like to use console.log as a listener for an event :

badButton.addEventListener('click', console.log);

As demonstrated in the fiddle, this will result in an error.

I understand how to circumvent the error (by wrapping console.log in another function). What I would like to know is why the error happens. Is there some security feature preventing the use of native functions being used in this way?

See the following fiddle: http://jsfiddle/calvintennant/jBh3A/

I would like to use console.log as a listener for an event :

badButton.addEventListener('click', console.log);

As demonstrated in the fiddle, this will result in an error.

I understand how to circumvent the error (by wrapping console.log in another function). What I would like to know is why the error happens. Is there some security feature preventing the use of native functions being used in this way?

• javascript

Share Improve this question Follow edited May 15, 2013 at 15:34 Alberto Zaccagni 31.6k1111 gold badges7575 silver badges107107 bronze badges asked May 15, 2013 at 15:29 user1357678user1357678 2

• 1 Please include the relevant code within your question. – James Montagne Commented May 15, 2013 at 15:30
• 1 which browser(s) are you testing with? I guess Chrome because I get an error in Chrome. But it works in IE9, and fails silently in Firefox. – Spudley Commented May 15, 2013 at 15:35

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1 Answer 1

Sorted by: Reset to default 6

That's because inside the log function, this must be the console (it's implementation dependant). If you pass it directly as event handler, this would be the widget as you can see by trying

goodButton.addEventListener('click', function(e) { console.log(this);});

Another solution than wrapping it in a function you create is to pass console.log.bind(console) (but not if you want to be patible with IE8) :

goodButton.addEventListener('click', console.log.bind(console));