Syntax

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JavaScript Syntax

JavaScript syntax is the set of rules that defines how a JavaScript program is constructed. In 2026, understanding these rules is crucial for writing clean, optimized code that modern engines (like V8) can execute efficiently.

1. Values: Literals and Variables

JavaScript defines two types of values: Fixed values (Literals) and Variable values (Variables).

Fixed Values (Literals)

  • Numbers are written with or without decimals: 10.50, 100.
  • Strings are text written with double or single quotes: 'John Doe', "Jane Doe".

Variable Values (Variables)

In a programming language, variables are used to store data values. JavaScript uses the var, let, and const keywords to declare variables. An equal sign (=) is used to assign values to variables.
let x; x = 6;

2. Operators

JavaScript uses arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /) to compute values:
(5 + 6) * 10; // Result: 110
JavaScript uses an assignment operator (=) to assign values to variables:
let x, y; x = 5; y = 6; let z = x + y;

3. Expressions

An expression is a combination of values, variables, and operators, which computes to a value. The computation is called an evaluation.
5 * 10; // Evaluates to 50 x * 10; // Evaluates based on x 'John' + ' ' + 'Doe'; // Evaluates to 'John Doe'

4. Keywords

JavaScript keywords are used to identify actions to be performed. For example, the let keyword tells the browser to create variables.
let x, y; x = 5 + 6; y = x * 10;

5. Identifiers (Names)

Identifiers are names for variables, functions, and keywords. In JavaScript, identifiers are case-sensitive.
let lastname, lastName; lastName = "Doe"; lastname = "Peterson"; // These are two different variables
[!IMPORTANT] JavaScript uses the Unicode character set. Unicode covers (almost) all the characters, punctuations, and symbols in the world.

Top Interview Questions

?Interview Question

Q:What is the difference between a Literal and a Variable?
A:
A Literal is a fixed value that is written exactly as it is (e.g., the number 10 or the string 'Hello'), while a Variable is a container for storing data values that can change during the execution of a program (e.g., let x = 10;).

?Interview Question

Q:Is JavaScript case-sensitive?
A:
Yes. In JavaScript, identifiers like 'lastName' and 'lastname' are considered two different variables. All JavaScript identifiers must be treated as case-sensitive.

?Interview Question

Q:Which operator is used to assign a value in JavaScript?
A:
The equal sign (=) is the assignment operator in JavaScript.

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