JavaScript function variable scope

Question

In the following code, why can I access the variable x.b? Shouldn't it have a local scope?

CODE

function x() {
    var a = 3;
}


x.b = 8;

console.log(x.a);
console.log(x.b);

OUTPUT

undefined
8

Answer 1

When you use var to declare a within x's constructor, a is mark as private, however when you do x.b you are essentially saying - add the property b to the object x.

Hence when you do x.b, technically speaking you are accessing object x's property b, which is 8.