run function once javascript

How to Run a Function Once in JavaScript?

If you want to execute a function only once in JavaScript, there are several ways to achieve this. Let's explore a few of them here.

1. Using a Flag Variable

One way to run a function once in JavaScript is by using a flag variable. A flag variable is a boolean value that you set to 'true' once the function has been executed. Here's an example:

let executed = false;

function runOnce() {
  if (!executed) {
    executed = true;
    // Your code here...
  }
}

In the above code, the 'executed' flag variable is initially set to 'false'. When the 'runOnce()' function is called, it checks if the 'executed' variable is 'false'. If it is, it sets the 'executed' variable to 'true' and executes the code inside the 'if' block.

2. Using the 'once' Method

The 'once' method is a built-in method in JavaScript that allows you to run a function once. Here's an example:

function runOnce() {
  // Your code here...
}

const runOnceWrapper = _.once(runOnce);
runOnceWrapper(); // This will run the 'runOnce' function only once

In the above code, we're using the 'once' method from the Lodash library to wrap our 'runOnce' function. The 'runOnceWrapper' variable is then called to execute the 'runOnce' function only once.

3. Using the Immediately-Invoked Function Expression (IIFE)

The IIFE is a JavaScript function that is executed as soon as it is defined. Here's an example:

(function runOnce() {
  // Your code here...
})();

In the above code, we're defining an anonymous function and immediately invoking it using the parentheses at the end. This will execute the function only once.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways to run a function once in JavaScript. Depending on your use case, you can choose any of these methods to achieve your goal.