arguments.callee
arguments.callee refers to the currently executing function. It is a legacy pattern that conflicts with strict mode and has clearer modern replacements.
Overview
arguments.callee refers to the currently executing function. It is a legacy pattern that conflicts with strict mode and has clearer modern replacements.
Browser support
| Feature | Desktop | Mobile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Edge | Firefox | Safari | Chrome Android | Safari iOS | |
javascript.functions.arguments.callee Deprecated | 1 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 1 |
1+Supported (version) Not supported ※Has note Sub-feature descriptions sourced from MDN Web Docs (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Syntax
JAVASCRIPT
// arguments.callee example
// See MDN Web Docs for detailsLive demo
Recursive call with arguments.callee
Use the legacy recursive pattern inside a non-strict function expression.
JavaScript
Output
Press the Run button
Anonymous function recursion
Show how arguments.callee was used before naming the function directly.
JavaScript
Output
Press the Run button
Compare with a named function
Contrast the legacy pattern with the modern named-function approach.
JavaScript
Output
Press the Run button
Use cases
Legacy recursion fixes
Replace anonymous self-reference patterns in older code with named functions or local bindings.
Strict-mode cleanup
Use migration work to remove callee references before modernizing a codebase.
Cautions
- arguments.callee is deprecated and unavailable in strict mode.
- Self-reference should be explicit so stack traces and code reviews stay understandable.
Accessibility
- No direct accessibility behavior, but reducing legacy language features lowers maintenance risk in interactive code.
- Prefer patterns that are easier for teams to debug and stabilize.
Related links
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