Recursive Functions

Problem

You want to call a function from within that same function.

Solution

With a named function:

ping = ->
	console.log "Pinged"
	setTimeout ping, 1000

With an unnamed function, using @arguments.callee@:

delay = 1000

setTimeout((->
	console.log "Pinged"
	setTimeout arguments.callee, delay
	), delay)

Discussion

While arguments.callee allows for the recursion of anonymous functions and might have the advantage in a very memory-intensive application, named functions keep their purpose more explicit and make for more maintainable code.