I have this simple code for debugging (there's more, but this is the stripped version):

function calc(container) {
    console.log(container);
    return 100;
};

$(".replace").text(calc(this));

The console is just returning the window, not the element. Why is this? Is there something that prevents jQuery/JavaScript from returning the element?

I have this simple code for debugging (there's more, but this is the stripped version):

function calc(container) {
    console.log(container);
    return 100;
};

$(".replace").text(calc(this));

The console is just returning the window, not the element. Why is this? Is there something that prevents jQuery/JavaScript from returning the element?

• javascript
• jquery
• html
• this

Share Improve this question Follow asked Nov 6, 2013 at 2:34 IanIan 6,17466 gold badges4545 silver badges7676 bronze badges 1

• 2 Yes, this is window in that scope. – elclanrs Commented Nov 6, 2013 at 2:36

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5 Answers 5

Sorted by: Reset to default 2

Because the calc method is not invoked within the element's context, you need to use something like

$(".replace").text(function(){
    return calc(this)
});

in this case the calc method is invoked within a callback method where this refers to the current element.

Demo: Fiddle

this here refers to the window object

$(".replace").text(calc(this));

you should use

$(".replace").text(function(){
    return calc(this); // here this refers to the current element with class replace
});

Read this keyword

In the global context, this is window.

> this === window
true

What you want is probably something like this:

var $replace = $(".replace");
$replace.text(calc($replace));

Just another option, since you are looking for the element just use your function reference itself as the argument of text.

function calc() {
    console.log(this);
    return 100;
};

$(".replace").text(calc);

That's right.

Because when you call that function the current scope is window.

If you want to use the element, use function parameter instead.

Refer jQuery set text