Dollar sign before self declaring anonymous function in JavaScript?

Question

What is the difference between these two:

$(function () {
    // do stuff
});

AND

(function () {
    // do stuff
})();
         


        

Answer 1

$(function() {}); is a jQuery shortcut for

 $(document).ready(function() { 
     /* Handler for .ready() called. */ 
 });

While (function() {})(); is a instantly invoked function expression, or IIFE. This means that its an expression (not a statement) and it is invoked instantly after it is created.