arguments.caller

Obsolete
This feature is obsolete. Although it may still work in some browsers, its use is discouraged since it could be removed at any time. Try to avoid using it.

The obsolete arguments.caller property used to provide the function that invoked the currently executing function. This property has been removed and no longer works.

Description

This property is not available anymore, but you can still use Function.caller.

function whoCalled() {
   if (whoCalled.caller == null)
      console.log('I was called from the global scope.');
   else
      console.log(whoCalled.caller + ' called me!');
}

Examples

The following code was used to check the value of arguments.caller in a function, but doesn't work anymore.

function whoCalled() {
   if (arguments.caller == null)
      console.log('I was called from the global scope.');
   else
      console.log(arguments.caller + ' called me!');
}

Specifications

Not part of any standard. Implemented in JavaScript 1.1 and removed in bug 7224 due to potentially vulnerable for security.

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support No support No support No support
removed in IE 9
No support No support
Feature Android Chrome for Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support No support No support No support No support No support No support

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Last updated by: claudepache,