I need to set a variables value within a function, but use it outside of the function. Can this be done?

$(document).ready(function() {
    $(window).scroll(function () {
        var myVar = something;
    });
    console.log(myVar);
});

I need to set a variables value within a function, but use it outside of the function. Can this be done?

$(document).ready(function() {
    $(window).scroll(function () {
        var myVar = something;
    });
    console.log(myVar);
});

• javascript

Share Follow asked Aug 7, 2013 at 15:21 EvanssEvanss 22.8k101101 gold badges322322 silver badges557557 bronze badges 1

• 1 Before your .scroll handler, add var myVar;. In the .scroll handler, don't use var (which will create a new variable). Note, however, that myVar will be undefined when you log it because it's not set until the scroll handler actually runs. – Matt Burland Commented Aug 7, 2013 at 15:23

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3 Answers 3

Sorted by: Reset to default 4

Yes, but you need to first declare it outside of the function.

$(document).ready(function() {
    var myVar;

    $(window).scroll(function () {
       myVar = something;
    });

    console.log(myVar);
});

Just know that myVar will only be updated after the scroll event is triggered. So, your console.log will log undefined because it runs before the event runs and sets the variable.

Yes. Just declare variable outside the function.

<script>
  var myVar = "foo";
  $(document).ready(function() {
      $(window).scroll(function () {
          myVar = something;
      });
      console.log(myVar);
  });
</script>