Functions vs. Methods

Let's break down the difference between a function and a method in simple terms, using everyday analogies.

  1. Function:

    A function is like a standalone recipe. Imagine you have a recipe for making a sandwich. It's a set of instructions that you can follow to make a sandwich. You can use this recipe to make many sandwiches, whenever you want.

  2. Method:

    A method, on the other hand, is like a special step in a particular recipe. Let's say your sandwich recipe (a class) has a step called 'spread butter'. This step is unique to the sandwich recipe and tells you how to spread butter on the bread. It's part of the overall sandwich-making process.

    So, in simple terms, a method is a special set of instructions (like a step in a recipe) that belongs to a specific recipe (class), while a function is a standalone recipe that you can use to make something (perform a task) whenever you want.

Here's a code analogy in JavaScript:

  • Function:

      function makeSandwich() {
        // Instructions to make a sandwich
        console.log('Spread butter');
        console.log('Add cheese');
        console.log('Put the slices together');
      }
    
      makeSandwich();  // Making a sandwich using the function
    
  • Method:

      const sandwichRecipe = {
        spreadButter: function() {
          console.log('Spread butter');  // This is a method to spread butter
        },
        addCheese: function() {
          console.log('Add cheese');  // This is another method to add cheese
        },
        assemble: function() {
          console.log('Put the slices together');  // This is another method to assemble the sandwich
        }
      };
    
      sandwichRecipe.spreadButter();  // Using a method to spread butter in the sandwich recipe
    

In summary, functions are like standalone recipes, and methods are specific steps (or actions) within a particular recipe (or class) that help you complete a task or make something.

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Written by

Abere Oghenefejiro
Abere Oghenefejiro

I am a recent graduate of the University of Benin. I am currently learning frontend development and actively looking for developer roles.