JavaScript Function apply()
Method Reuse
The apply() method lets you write a method that can be used on different objects.
The apply() method is used to call a function with a specific this.
The apply() method is similar to call(), but it passes arguments in an array.
Note
apply() is an advanced topic.
Make sure you understand this and call() before continuing.
Basic apply() Syntax
The apply() method is used to call a function with an object as an argument.
The apply() method takes this as the first argument.
The second argument is an array of values passed to the function.
The apply() method is similar to the call() method (previous chapter).
Syntax
functionName.apply(this, [arg1, arg2, ...]);
Using apply() to Set this
'When you use apply(), you can decide what this should refer to.
In the example below, the greet function returns a greeting + this.name.
When you use apply(), you decide that this should be the person3 object.
Example
const person1 = { name: "John" };
const person2 = { name: "Paul" };
const person3 = { name: "Ringo" };
function greet(greeting) {
return greeting + " " + this.name;
}
greet.apply(person3, ["Hello"]);
Try it Yourself »
The Difference Between call() and apply()
The only difference between apply() and call() is how arguments are passed.
The call() method takes arguments separately.
The apply() method takes arguments as an array.
Note
Use apply() when your arguments are already stored in an array.
Example
greet.call(person, "Hello");
greet.apply(person, ["Hello"]);
Borrowing a Method from Another Object
You can use apply() to borrow a method from another object:
Example 1
Apply the fullName method of person on person1:
// Create a person Object
const person = {
fullName: function() {
return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName;
}
}
// Create a person1 Object
const person1 = {
firstName:"John",
lastName: "Doe"
}
// Create a person2 Object
const person2 = {
firstName:"Mary",
lastName: "Doe"
}
// This will return "John Doe":
person.fullName.apply(person1);
Note
In these 2 examples, the apply() method behaves exactly the same as the call() method.
Example 2
Apply the fullName method of person on person2:
// Create a person Object
const person = {
fullName: function() {
return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName;
}
}
// Create a person1 Object
const person1 = {
firstName:"John",
lastName: "Doe"
}
// Create a person2 Object
const person2 = {
firstName:"Mary",
lastName: "Doe"
}
// This will return "Mary Doe"
person.fullName.call(person2);
The apply() Method with Arguments
The apply() method accepts arguments in an array.
All arguments must be placed inside an array, in the correct order.
Example
const person = {
fullName: function(city, country) {
return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName
+ "," + city + "," + country;
}
}
const person1 = {
firstName:"John",
lastName: "Doe"
}
person.fullName.apply(person1, ["Oslo", "Norway"]);
Compared with the call() method:
Example
const person = {
fullName: function(city, country) {
return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName
+ "," + city + "," + country;
}
}
const person1 = {
firstName:"John",
lastName: "Doe"
}
person.fullName.call(person1, "Oslo", "Norway");
Simulate Array Methods with apply()
A common use case for apply() is working with Math functions on arrays.
The Math.max() method returns the highest number in a list of number arguments:
JavaScript Arrays do not have a max() method, but you can simulate it with the apply method.
In the example above, null is used as this, because Math.max() does not need a this value.
These examples will give the same result:
Examples
Math.max.apply(" ", numbers);
Math.max.apply(0, numbers);
JavaScript Strict Mode
In JavaScript strict mode, if the first argument of the apply() method is not an object, it becomes the owner (object) of the invoked function. In "non-strict" mode, it becomes the global object.
apply() Does Not Create a New Function
The call() method and the apply() method runs the function immediately.
They do not return a new function.
Example
function sum(a, b) {
return a + b;
}
sum.apply(null, [4, 5]);
If you want a function that can be called later with the same this, use bind() instead.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Use an Array
The second argument to apply() must be an array.Confusing apply() with bind()
apply() runs immediately. bind() returns a new function.Using apply() when call() is Simpler
If you do not have an array, call() is often clearer.
