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Using Await Inside Non Async Function

Have you ever wondered how you can use the `await` keyword inside a non-async JavaScript function? If you're familiar with asynchronous programming in JavaScript, you know that `await` is typically used inside an `async` function to pause execution until a promise is settled. However, there may be situations where you need to use `await` inside a regular function. In this article, we'll explore how you can achieve this and avoid common pitfalls.

First things first, let's clarify that using `await` inside a regular function is not as straightforward as in an `async` function. When you use `await`, it expects the surrounding function to be declared with the `async` keyword. So, to use `await` inside a non-async function, you need to employ a slightly different approach involving wrapping the async operation in a `Promise`.

You can create a new `Promise` inside the non-async function and then use `await` within that promise to handle the asynchronous operation. This way, you can maintain the synchronous style of coding while still leveraging the power of asynchronous functions.

Here's a simple example to demonstrate this concept:

Javascript

function fetchData() {
  return new Promise(async (resolve, reject) => {
    try {
      const data = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
      const json = await data.json();
      resolve(json);
    } catch (error) {
      reject(error);
    }
  });
}

In the code snippet above, we define a `fetchData` function that returns a `Promise`. Inside this function, we create a new `Promise` and use `await` within it to fetch data from an API endpoint. The `resolve` and `reject` callbacks are used to handle the success and error scenarios of the asynchronous operation.

Now, when you call the `fetchData` function, you can use `await` to wait for the data to be fetched:

Javascript

async function fetchDataAndProcess() {
  try {
    const data = await fetchData();
    console.log('Fetched data:', data);
    // Process the data further
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error fetching data:', error);
  }
}

fetchDataAndProcess();

In the `fetchDataAndProcess` function, we use `await` to wait for the `fetchData` function to complete and then proceed with processing the fetched data. This approach allows you to work with asynchronous operations in a more synchronous manner within non-async functions.

Keep in mind that this technique should be used judiciously and only when necessary, as it may add complexity to your code. It's important to handle errors properly and ensure that your promises are always resolved or rejected to prevent any unexpected behavior.

In conclusion, using `await` inside a non-async function involves wrapping your asynchronous code in a `Promise` to maintain a synchronous coding style. By following this approach, you can handle asynchronous operations within regular functions effectively. Remember to test your code thoroughly and handle any edge cases to ensure smooth execution.