SyntaxError: function statement requires a name
The JavaScript exception "function statement requires a name" occurs when there is a function statement in the code that requires a name.
Message
Syntax Error: Expected identifier (Edge)
SyntaxError: function statement requires a name [Firefox]
SyntaxError: Unexpected token ( [Chrome]
Error type
What went wrong?
There is a function statement in the code that requires a name. You'll need to check how functions are defined and if you need to provide a name for it, or if the function in question needs to be a function expression, an IIFE, or if the function code is placed correctly in this context at all.
Examples
Statements vs expressions
A function statement (or function declaration) requires a name. This won't work:
function () {
return 'Hello world';
}
// SyntaxError: function statement requires a name
You can use a function expression (assignment) instead:
var greet = function() {
return 'Hello world';
};
If your function is intended to be an IIFE (Immediately Invoked Function Expression, which is a function that runs as soon as it is defined) you will need to add a few more braces:
(function () {
})();
Labeled functions
If you are using function labels, you will still need to provide a function name after the function
keyword.
This doesn't work:
function Greeter() {
german: function () {
return "Moin";
}
}
// SyntaxError: function statement requires a name
This would work, for example:
function Greeter() {
german: function g() {
return "Moin";
}
}
Object methods
If you intended to create a method of an object, you will need to create an object.
The following syntax without a name after the function
keyword is valid then.
var greeter = {
german: function () {
return "Moin";
}
};
Callback syntax
Also, check your syntax when using callbacks. Brackets and commas can quickly get confusing.
promise.then(
function() {
console.log("success");
});
function() {
console.log("error");
}
// SyntaxError: function statement requires a name
Correct would be:
promise.then(
function() {
console.log("success");
},
function() {
console.log("error");
}
);