Understanding the Difference Between let, const, and var in JavaScript (1 Minute Guide)

itamartati

Itamar Tati

Posted on November 18, 2024

Understanding the Difference Between let, const, and var in JavaScript (1 Minute Guide)

When working with JavaScript, you'll encounter three ways to declare variables: let, const, and var. While they all serve the same purpose, they behave differently in terms of scoping, mutability, and hoisting. Let's break it down quickly:

  1. let:

    • Block-scoped: Meaning it only exists within the nearest block (like a loop or an if statement).
    • Mutable: The value of a variable declared with let can be reassigned.
  2. const:

    • Block-scoped like let.
    • Immutable: Once a variable is assigned a value with const, it cannot be reassigned. However, note that the contents of objects or arrays declared with const can still be modified.
  3. var:

    • Function-scoped: Unlike let and const, var is scoped to the nearest function block, or global if declared outside of a function.
    • Hoisted: Variables declared with var are moved to the top of their scope during compilation, potentially leading to unexpected results.

Which one should you use?

  • Use let when you need to reassign values.
  • Use const by default for values that shouldn’t change.
  • Avoid var unless you’re dealing with legacy code.

By understanding the nuances of these keywords, you can write cleaner and more predictable code in JavaScript.

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itamartati
Itamar Tati

Posted on November 18, 2024

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