Custom JavaScript log function

Question

I am having some issues in my production code and I want to be able to send a flag to enable/disable JS logging, so I want to write my own logging function.

I want to use something like function log(){...}. When I looked up reserved words in JS I didn't see log listed, but I do see it listed in the w3schools docs as a math function.

Is it okay to use log() as a function name in production code for IE 7+, Chrome, and FF?

w3schools is not affiliated with w3c in any way at all, they are an authority on nothing. — Wesley Murch, Jan 07 '13 at 22:33
@WesleyMurch But that doesn't mean anything in the context of the question, their info about `Math.log` existing is completely valid — Juan Mendes, Jan 07 '13 at 22:33
@JuanMendes: "The w3 docs" as the author states, is misleading. I'm trying to help. — Wesley Murch, Jan 07 '13 at 22:34
@WesleyMurch You're correct, sorry, I didn't notice the OP referred to w3schools documentation as `w3 docs` I share the same hate for w3 schools that many competent web devs have. — Juan Mendes, Jan 07 '13 at 22:35
@Justin http://w3fools.com/ Don't use W3Schools, their info on this was fine, but there are plenty of outdated practices, and even wrong information there — Juan Mendes, Jan 07 '13 at 22:40

score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:18

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Yes, it is absolutely fine. The maths log function is a function on the Math object, so will not collide with your implementation.

If you are confused by this sort of thing, look into JavaScript 'namespaces'

How do I declare a namespace in JavaScript?

edited May 23 '17 at 12:18

Community

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answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:32

ColinE

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

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Yes, it is ok. The math log function is available as Math.log, not log so you won't break anything...

answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

Mathias Schwarz

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score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

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That should be fine. The mathematical log function is called via Math.log(x).

answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

Reinstate Monica -- notmaynard

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score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

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Yes it is ok. The math log function always needs to be called as Math.log(). So you're fine.

answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:33

Sajjan Sarkar

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score -1 · Answer 5 · answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:35

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I would suggest using an existing object or namespace rather than making your log function global.

See http://www.yuiblog.com/blog/2006/06/01/global-domination/

answered Jan 07 '13 at 22:35

Aaron Kurtzhals

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Custom JavaScript log function

5 Answers5