setTimeout() on recursive function within a self invoking function

Question

I want to distribute my code as a self-envoking anonymous functions, as I see many do. Also, within my code I have to monitor for another lib loading, so I can use it when it's available.

(function(window, document, undefined) {
  staffHappens();
  var initMyLib = function() {
    if (typeof(myLib) == 'undefined') {
      setTimeout("initMyLib()", 50);
    } else {
      useMyLib();
    }
  }
  moreStaffHappens();
  initMyLib(); //-> initMyLib is undefined
})(this, document);

How can this error occur? Should initMyLib be inside the scope of the enclosing (self-envoking) function?

Answer 1

change setTimeout("initMyLib()", 50); to setTimeout(initMyLib, 50);

When you pass a string as an argument it will try to evaluate it when the timeout is fired, but it will run in the global scope. And your method does not exist in the global scope.

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Demo at http://jsfiddle.net/gaby/zVr7L/

Answer 2

You could also use a real anonymous function to avoid scoping issues:

(function() {
    if(typeof(myLib) == 'undefined')
        setTimeout(arguments.callee, 50);
    else
        // loaded
})()