How can you write variables in JavaScript

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How can you write variables in JavaScript

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2 min read

There are 3 keywords you can define variables in JavaScript.

  1. Using var

     function exampleVar() {
       if (true) {
         var x = 10;
       }
       console.log(x); // Outputs 10
     }
     exampleVar();
    

    Explanation:

    • Variables declared with var are function-scoped, meaning they are accessible throughout the entire function in which they are declared.

    • var is also hoisted, which means the variable is moved to the top of its scope during the compilation phase, allowing it to be accessed even before its declaration.

    • In the example, x is accessible outside the if block due to function scoping.

  2. Using let

     function exampleLet() {
       if (true) {
         let y = 20;
       }
       // console.log(y); // Error: y is not defined
     }
     exampleLet();
    

    Explanation:

    • Variables declared with let are block-scoped, limiting their accessibility to the block (enclosed by curly braces) in which they are defined.

    • let is also hoisted but in a way that the variable is not accessible before its declaration. Attempting to access it before the declaration results in a ReferenceError.

    • In the example, y is not accessible outside the if block due to block scoping.

Using const

function exampleConst() {
  const z = 30;
  // z = 40; // Error: Assignment to constant variable
  console.log(z); // Outputs 30
}
exampleConst();

Explanation:

  • Variables declared with const are block-scoped, similar to let, but const variables cannot be reassigned once they are assigned a value.

  • const is also hoisted but, like let, attempting to access it before the declaration results in a ReferenceError.

  • In the example, z cannot be reassigned after its initial assignment, making it a constant value.


conclusion:

In modern JavaScript, it's generally recommended to use let and const over var due to their block-scoping behavior and more predictable behavior. const is preferred when the variable should not be reassigned, promoting immutability and safer code.

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