Function Basics: Simplify function usage in initial example to avoid cognitive overload

[joe-tecconsulting]

Checks

• This is not a duplicate of an existing issue (please have a look through our open issues list to make sure)
• I have thoroughly read and understand The Odin Project Contributing Guide
• Would you like to work on this issue?

Describe your suggestion

In the lesson introducing functions and how they are called, the first example is:

function favoriteAnimal(animal) {
    return animal + " is my favorite animal!";
}

console.log(favoriteAnimal('Goat'));

While this is technically correct, I think this example introduces too many concepts at once for learners who are just encountering functions. Specifically:

It uses a function inside another function call (console.log()), which adds a layer of abstraction.

The explanation talks about

passing a function call as an argument in a different function call

– a phrasing that may be conceptually heavy for beginners.

Suggestion:

Instead, consider introducing function calls in isolation first. For example:

function favoriteAnimal(animal) {
    return animal + " is my favorite animal!";
}

let message = favoriteAnimal('Goat');
console.log(message);

This keeps the focus squarely on:

• How a function is called.
• What it returns.
• How we can use that return value (via assignment).

Then, once the learner understands the basics of return values and variables, it’s a good time to introduce using a function call as an argument.

Path

Foundations

Lesson Url

https://www.theodinproject.com/lessons/foundations-function-basics

(Optional) Discord Name

ralphwiggum69

(Optional) Additional Comments

No response

[KevinMulhern]

Thanks taking the time to write this up @joe-tecconsulting. This sounds like a good change. I've assigned it to you. Let us know if we can help with anything!