From PHP 5.3, we can now use anonymous functions. If you write jQuery javascript, you probably use these all the time, even if you’re not aware of it:
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jQuery(document).ready(function($) { //... }); |
Here we’re calling the ready function and passing it an anonymous function.
We could also do:
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function do_stuff() { //... } jQuery(document).ready(do_stuff); |
(Let’s ignore the “$” for now).
It’s the same with PHP. We don’t have to name functions – they can be anonymous.
Why do I love it for WordPress? Adding actions and filters always seemed so clunky. We write a do_my_thing() function and then call add_action(), passing the hook and the function name. The code wasn’t nicely contained. But with anonymous functions it’s all nice and neat again, and I think easier to read. For example:
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//functions.php // load theme javascript add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', function() { wp_enqueue_script('moment', get_stylesheet_directory_uri().'/js/moment.min.js', array('jquery'), '1.0', true); wp_enqueue_script('inthenow', get_stylesheet_directory_uri().'/js/theme.js', array('jquery', 'moment'), '1.0', true); }); |
Isn’t that easier to read? It’s easier to write too. Give it a try!