Closures are functions or references to functions that hold within their scope non-local variables. This variables endure beyond their existence outside of these functions scope. These variables are therefor enclosed within the lexical-scope of that functions.
This is particular useful for JavaScript where with every function call (even if the same is called recursively) a new execution context is created, and an automatic garbage collection throws out all contexts with no reference. For a detailed explanation Jim Ley’s description of closures in JavaScript has proven itself as a great resource. Continue reading “Closures with JavaScript and Python” →