Understanding JavaScript: How to Properly Use Async/Await with Functions

Learn how to use async/await in JavaScript to ensure functions execute in the right order. Understand why your `setting()` function may not be functioning correctly when navigating between pages.
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Understanding Asynchronous JavaScript: Managing Function Execution Order

When working with JavaScript, particularly in frameworks like React, it’s common to encounter the need to execute multiple functions in a specific order. A common scenario arises when trying to ensure that one function completes before another begins, especially when those functions rely on asynchronous tasks. In this guide, we'll delve into a real-world problem and its solution regarding function execution order using async/await in JavaScript.

The Problem: Function Execution Order

The user faced a challenge with their sendAndMove function, which was intended to perform two actions in sequence:

Update final information within a state via the setting() function.

Navigate to the home page using the goHome() function.

However, in their original implementation, the functions were executed in the opposite order:

goHome() was called first, followed by setting(). This behavior led to unexpected outcomes, particularly because the state update within setting() was asynchronous.

The Original Code

Here’s how the initial code looked:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

What Went Wrong?

In this case, the primary issue stemmed from JavaScript’s asynchronous nature and call stack. When sendAndMove() was invoked, the setting() function executed but did not immediately return a promise or signal completion before calling goHome(). Hence, the navigation might have occurred before the state update was registered.

The Solution: Utilizing Async/Await

To enforce the correct order of execution, the user updated the sendAndMove() to use async/await. However, they needed to ensure that setting() returned a promise that could be awaited.

Revised Code

The refined code became:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Changes Explained

Promise in the setting Function: The setting() function was modified to return a promise. It resolves only after the state update is complete. This is significant as it allows us to wait for the completion of setting() before calling goHome().

Async/Await in sendAndMove: By marking sendAndMove() as an async function and using await setting();, we ensure that goHome() does not execute until setting() has fully completed.

Non-Await for goHome(): Note that goHome() doesn't need to be awaited since it is not an asynchronous function. This simplifies execution and prevents unnecessary waiting.

Conclusion

Understanding how to manage asynchronous tasks is crucial in JavaScript development, especially when working with state management in frameworks like React. By utilizing async/await and properly returning promises, you can gain greater control over function execution order and ensure your application behaves as expected.

Now, with this revised approach, your sendAndMove() function should work seamlessly, ensuring that the state is updated before navigating to the home page. Embrace the power of async/await, and watch your JavaScript code become cleaner and more manageable!