Where does this point to in module scope?

Question

What object does this reference in module scope (i'm referring to node.js modules)?

console.log(this);
console.log(this === module); //false

It isn't referencing to module object so where is it pointing to?

Do you refer to node.js modules or ES6 modules? – Bergi Mar 02 '16 at 16:21 — Bergi, Mar 02 '16 at 16:21

Thank you · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-02T16:17:56.383

3

Strangely, it's equal to module.exports

console.log(this === module.exports); // => true

Personally, I think this is dumb. But it is what it is.

I have no idea why we have 3 references to the same exact thing. this, exports, and module.exports all reference the same object.

My best guess is it's some backwards compatibility. I could easily be wrong about that tho.

edited Mar 02 '16 at 16:17

answered Mar 02 '16 at 16:13

Thank you

Do you know what is the reasoning for this? – Kaarel Purde Mar 02 '16 at 16:14
It should equal `process` – Ryan McCullagh Mar 02 '16 at 16:18
1

@self, I disagree, if anything I'd like `this === global` the way `this === window` in the root scope of a browser. Not that I think I'd just it; just for the sake of some sort of consistency. Or heck, have it be `undefined` because it makes no goddamned sense. – Thank you Mar 02 '16 at 16:20
Process is the global object though – Ryan McCullagh Mar 02 '16 at 16:31
That's not true. `console.log(process === gloabal); // => false` – Thank you Mar 02 '16 at 22:02

1 Answers1