JavaScript
Higher-Order Functions & Callback Functions in JavaScript
Arko
2025-02-21
4 min read
JavaScript lets us use functions like values — we can store them, pass them around, and return them from other functions. This makes powerful ideas like higher-order and callback functions possible. In this blog, I’ll explain what they are, how they work, and why they help us write cleaner and more flexible code, especially when handling things like user actions or data loading.
What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
A callback function is a function that we pass as an argument to another function. The other function can then call (or "callback") that function later. This is useful when we want to do something after another task finishes — like waiting for data to load or when a button is clicked.
A higher-order function is a function that takes another function as a parameter or returns one. These are common in JavaScript. Functions like setTimeout, map, filter, and forEach are all higher-order functions because they work with other functions to do something useful.
Mastering these concepts boosts your confidence with async operations, functional patterns, and makes your codebase more efficient. Start experimenting with small examples to see the power of functions in JavaScript
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