jQuery Deferred resolve() Method

What Is resolve()?

deferred.resolve([args]) settles a Deferred as resolved (since jQuery 1.5) and runs done callbacks from done() or then(). Optional args are passed to those handlers. It returns the same Deferred for chaining.

deferred.resolve([args…])

resolve()  → settle as success (owner only)
done()     → listen for success
reject()   → settle as failure (opposite)

state locks after resolve — once only
return promise() so callers cannot resolve

How to Use resolve()

Own the Deferred; resolve when the work succeeds; let others listen.

1. Create a Deferred (keep it private in your helper).
2. Attach done() / then() (or return promise() for callers).
3. On success, call resolve(args…) with useful results.
4. Do not call reject() afterward — the Deferred is already settled.

Pseudocode

dfd = Deferred
handlers = done callbacks (from done / then)

resolve(args…):
    if dfd already settled: return  // ignore
    state = "resolved"
    remember args
    for each done handler (in add order):
        handler(args…)

later done(fn):
    if already resolved: fn(args…) immediately
    else: queue fn

Cheat Sheet

Keep these facts handy when signaling async success.

Live Preview

See how resolve() drives done() and once-only settlement.

done → Operation complete
state → resolved

/* resolve() settles; done() listens */

jQuery Examples

Short, copy-ready snippets. Open the browser console, or use Try It Yourself for a live editor.

var dfd = $.Deferred();

dfd.done(function (result) {
  console.log(result);  // Operation complete
});

dfd.resolve("Operation complete");

Operation complete

var dfd = $.Deferred();

dfd.done(function (id, name) {
  console.log(id + ": " + name);  // 42: Alex
});

dfd.resolve(42, "Alex");

42: Alex

var dfd = $.Deferred();

dfd.resolve("already done");

dfd.done(function (result) {
  console.log(result);  // already done
});

already done

var dfd = $.Deferred();
var lines = [];

dfd.done(function (v) { lines.push("done: " + v); });
dfd.fail(function (v) { lines.push("fail: " + v); });

dfd.reject("nope");
dfd.resolve("ok");  // ignored

console.log(lines.join(" | "));  // fail: nope
console.log(dfd.state());         // rejected

fail: nope
rejected

function loadFile(ok) {
  var dfd = $.Deferred();
  setTimeout(function () {
    if (ok) dfd.resolve("file.txt");
    else dfd.reject("missing file");
  }, 200);
  return dfd.promise();
}

loadFile(true).done(function (name) {
  console.log(name);  // file.txt
});

file.txt

Performance Notes

Resolution cost is dominated by your done handlers (DOM updates, routing), not by resolve() itself. Pass compact results unless a large payload is required.

Key Takeaways