// This example is from the book _JavaScript: The Definitive Guide_. // Written by David Flanagan. Copyright (c) 1996 O'Reilly & Associates. // This example is provided WITHOUT WARRANTY either expressed or implied. // You may study, use, modify, and distribute it for any purpose. function count() { // counter is a static variable, defined below. // Note that we use it just like a local variable. alert("You've called me " + counter + " time(s)."); // Increment the static variable. This incremented value // will be retained and will be used the next time we are called. counter++; } // To define the static variable, just set it as a property of the function: // Note that the only shortcoming of this technique is that static // variables can only be defined after they are used in the function. count.counter = 1;