Javascript local variable lifetime

Question

I am advanced in C, C++ but new to Javascript. I am learning three.js and I have trouble understanding what is happening in here:

var camera, scene, renderer, control;

init();

function init() {
    scene = new THREE.Scene();

    var light = new THREE.DirectionalLight( 0xffffff, 2 );
    light.position.set( 1, 1, 1 );
    scene.add( light );
}

This is simplified version of what I want to ask. I've read a lot of docs and forums, but I could not find this anywhere.

If I create "var light" inside function and assign it value with "new", it will create object right. Since I declared it INSIDE of the function "init" it is local variable. I've learned that objects in javascript are passed by reference. So if I add it to the scene by "scene.add(light);", why it still works? I passed the reference, then the object itself should be destroyed and when I'll call render function outside of "init" it should fail right?

My question is, if the "new" keyword somehow makes the local variable persist even when the function's body ends, keeping the object alive while there is still something holding reference to it?

Did I get this right?

Objects are only destroyed when there are no more references to them. That's how garbage collection works. (You can compare it to std::shared_ptr in C++) — UnholySheep
The new isn't what matters. scene.add() likely keeps a reference to the light. — zero298
If the variable would be wiped out as soon as the function ended, we would be in a lot of trouble. :) — epascarello

phuzi phuzi · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-05T17:41:51

Although the variable light is declared within the function and no longer exists after it exits. The object that the variable refers to is "added to the scene" with scene.add(light) and likely creates a second reference to the object. Once the function exits the first reference light goes out of scope and the reference is removed, leaving the one from scene.add(light).

JavaScript garbage collection will only clean up a object once there are no references to it.

new does nothing special beyond creating a new instance of an object.

Javascript local variable lifetime

2 Answers