Helper Functions

by Matthew Stuart

Back to:

We can also use the return value of a function inside another function. These functions being called within another function are often referred to as helper functions. Since each function is carrying out a specific task, it makes our code easier to read and debug if necessary.

If we wanted to define a function that converts the temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we could write two functions like:

function multiplyByNineFifths(number) {
  return number * (9/5);
};
 
function getFahrenheit(celsius) {
  return multiplyByNineFifths(celsius) + 32;
};
 
getFahrenheit(15); // Returns 59

In the example above:

  • getFahrenheit() is called and 15 is passed as an argument.
  • The code block inside of getFahrenheit() calls multiplyByNineFifths() and passes 15 as an argument.
  • multiplyByNineFifths() takes the argument of 15 for the number parameter.
  • The code block inside of multiplyByNineFifths() function multiplies 15 by (9/5), which evaluates to 27.
  • 27 is returned back to the function call in getFahrenheit().
  • getFahrenheit() continues to execute. It adds 32 to 27, which evaluates to 59.
  • Finally, 59 is returned back to the function call getFahrenheit(15).

We can use functions to section off small bits of logic or tasks, then use them when we need to. Writing helper functions can help take large and difficult tasks and break them into smaller and more manageable tasks.