Problem: 'undefined' is Not a Function in JavaScript

Although I have some experience in JavaScript development, I encountered a frustrating error while being introduced again to JS after some time: 'undefined' is not a function. This error message seemed cryptic, leaving me wondering what I had done wrong. Initially, I tried to brute-force my way through, making random changes until the error disappeared. But this approach only led to more confusion and wasted time. I knew I needed a better strategy.

Here's how I tackled the problem:

1. Understood the error message: I carefully read the error message, line by line, to grasp what JavaScript was trying to tell me. I realized that the error occurred when trying to call a function that was supposed to be defined but was not defined in my program.
2. Searched for solutions: I made some searches in online resources, documentation, and forums to find similar issues and solutions. I used Bing Search the most because of the Copilot AI feature and also used Stack overflow (a life-saver) I discovered that this error often occurs when a function is called before it's defined or when there's a typo in the function name.
3. Simplified the code: I broke down complex code into smaller parts to isolate the issue. I identified the specific function call that was causing the error.
4. Tested incrementally: I tested each section of code to identify the exact source of the error. I added console logs to check the variable's value before the error occurred.
5. Reflected and adjusted: I reflected on my mistakes, adjusted my approach, and applied what I learned to future debugging sessions. I realized that I needed to ensure the function was defined and properly named before calling it.

Lessons learned:

• Understanding error messages is crucial in JavaScript development
• Hoisting and function scope can affect function availability
• Typo-free code is essential!
• Persistence and patience are essential in overcoming obstacles

Takeaways:

• Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek resources
• Embrace debugging as a chance to learn and grow
• Develop a systematic approach to problem-solving, and you'll be writing bug-free JavaScript in no time!

All these learning is thanks to 3MTT Nigeria