What is the point of free standing blocks if there is no block scope? [closed]

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Closed 8 years ago.

You are allowed to use free-standing blocks like this...

var something = 1;
{
  var something = 2;
  print("Inside: " + something);
}
print("Outside: " + something);

This is from: http://eloquentjavascript.net/chapter3.html#p3c7ae609

But what's the point of having blocks like that? What purpose does it serve?

Answer 1

In ES6 there'll be block scoped variables declared with let, at which free-standing blocks won't be pointless any more.

Answer 2

Free standing blocks don't usually add any value in a script, however they can be used for code organization, such as splitting out an equation:

_{One Line:}

//long equations are hard to read
foo = bar * baz + fizz - buzz;

_Block:

{
    //this groups relevant information into a descrete section
    foo = bar;
    foo *= baz;
    foo += fizz;
    foo -= buzz;
}

Although, long equations that perform operations based on a standard set of inputs are usually broken out into their own function:

_{As Function:}

function qux(bar, baz, fizz, buzz) {
    var ret;
    ret = bar;
    ret *= baz;
    ret += fizz;
    ret -= buzz;
    return ret;
}

foo = qux(bar, baz, fizz, buzz);

Answer 3

Ooops, I kept reading, and here's my answer:

In fact, although blocks like this are allowed, they are utterly pointless.

http://eloquentjavascript.net/chapter3.html#p6f53387f

Answer 4

You answered your own question. From the article linked in the OP:

In fact, although blocks like this are allowed, they are utterly pointless.