About JavaScript
About JavaScript
JavaScript, created by Brendan Eich in 1995, is one of the most widely used web development languages.
It was designed to build dynamic web pages at first. A script is a JS program that may be added to the
HTML of any web page. When the page loads, these scripts execute automatically.
A language that was originally designed to build dynamic web pages may now be run on the server and on
almost any device that has the JavaScript Engine installed.
After HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the third biggest web technology. JavaScript is a scripting language that
may be used to construct online and mobile apps, web servers, games, and more. JavaScript is an object -
oriented programming language that is used to generate websites and applications. It was created with the
intention of being used in a browser. Even today, the server-side version of JavaScript known as Node.js
may be used to create online and mobile apps, real-time applications, online streaming applications, and
videogames. Javascript frameworks, often known as inbuilt libraries, may be used to construct desktop
and mobile programs. Developers may save a lot of time on monotonous programming jobs by using these
code libraries, allowing them to focus on the production work of development.
To know the type of a JavaScript variable, we can use the typeof operator.
1. Primitive types
1
String - It represents a series of characters and is written with quotes. A string can be represented using a
single or a double quote.
Example :
Example :
• BigInt - This data type is used to store numbers which are above the limitation of the Number data
type. It can store large integers and is represented by adding “n” to an integer literal.
Example :
• Boolean - It represents a logical entity and can have only two values : true or false. Booleans are
generally used for conditional testing.
Example :
var a = 2;
var b = 3;
var c = 2;
(a == b) // returns false
(a == c) //returns true
• Undefined - When a variable is declared but not assigned, it has the value of undefined and it’s type
is also undefined.
Example :
Example :
var z = null;
• Symbol - It is a new data type introduced in the ES6 version of javascript. It is used to store an
anonymous and unique value.
2
Example :
2. Non-primitive types
• Primitive data types can store only a single value. To store multiple and complex values, non-
primitive data types are used.
• Object - Used to store collection of data.
• Example:
var obj1 = {
x: 43,
y: "Hello world!",
z: function(){
return this.x;
}
}
Note- It is important to remember that any data type that is not a primitive data type, is of Object type in
javascript.
Hoisting is the default behaviour of javascript where all the variable and function declarations are moved
on top.
3
This means that irrespective of where the variables and functions are declared, they are moved on top of
the scope. The scope can be both local and global.
Example 1:
hoistedVariable = 3;
console.log(hoistedVariable); // outputs 3 even when the variable is declared after it is initialized
var hoistedVariable;
Example 2:
hoistedFunction(); // Outputs " Hello world! " even when the function is declared after calling
function hoistedFunction(){
console.log(" Hello world! ");
}
Example 3:
doSomething(); // Outputs 33 since the local variable “x” is hoisted inside the local scope
Note - Variable initializations are not hoisted, only variable declarations are hoisted:
var x;
console.log(x); // Outputs "undefined" since the initialization of "x" is not hoisted
x = 23;
Note - To avoid hoisting, you can run javascript in strict mode by using “use strict” on top of the code:
"use strict";
x = 23; // Gives an error since 'x' is not declared
4
var x;
The debugger for the browser must be activated in order to debug the code. Built-in debuggers may be
switched on and off, requiring the user to report faults. The remaining section of the code should stop
execution before moving on to the next line while debugging.
Both are comparison operators. The difference between both the operators is that “==” is used to compare
values whereas, “ === “ is used to compare both values and types.
Example:
var x = 2;
var y = "2";
(x == y) // Returns true since the value of both x and y is the same
(x === y) // Returns false since the typeof x is "number" and typeof y is "string"
1. From the very beginning, the 'var' keyword was used in JavaScript programming whereas the
keyword 'let' was just added in 2015.
2. The keyword 'Var' has a function scope. Anywhere in the function, the variable specified using var is
accessible but in ‘let’ the scope of a variable declared with the 'let' keyword is limited to the block in
which it is declared. Let's start with a Block Scope.
3. In ECMAScript 2015, let and const are hoisted but not initialized. Referencing the variable in the
block before the variable declaration results in a ReferenceError because the variable is in a
"temporal dead zone" from the start of the block until the declaration is processed.
Implicit type coercion in javascript is the automatic conversion of value from one data type to another. It
takes place when the operands of an expression are of different data types.
• String coercion
String coercion takes place while using the ‘ + ‘ operator. When a number is added to a string, the number
type is always converted to the string type.
Example 1:
var x = 3;
var y = "3";
5
x + y // Returns "33"
Example 2:
var x = 24;
var y = "Hello";
x + y // Returns "24Hello";
Note - ‘ + ‘ operator when used to add two numbers, outputs a number. The same ‘ + ‘ operator when used
to add two strings, outputs the concatenated string:
Let’s understand both the examples where we have added a number to a string,
When JavaScript sees that the operands of the expression x + y are of different types ( one being a
number type and the other being a string type ), it converts the number type to the string type and then
performs the operation. Since after conversion, both the variables are of string type, the ‘ + ‘ operator
outputs the concatenated string “33” in the first example and “24Hello” in the second example.
Note - Type coercion also takes place when using the ‘ - ‘ operator, but the difference while using ‘ - ‘
operator is that, a string is converted to a number and then subtraction takes place.
var x = 3;
Var y = "3";
x - y //Returns 0 since the variable y (string type) is converted to a number type
• Boolean Coercion
Boolean coercion takes place when using logical operators, ternary operators, if statements, and loop
checks. To understand boolean coercion in if statements and operators, we need to understand truthy and
falsy values.
Truthy values are those which will be converted (coerced) to true. Falsy values are those which will be
converted to false.
All values except false, 0, 0n, -0, “”, null, undefined, and NaN are truthy values.
If statements:
Example:
var x = 0;
var y = 23;
if(x) { console.log(x) } // The code inside this block will not run since the value of x is 0(Falsy)
if(y) { console.log(y) } // The code inside this block will run since the value of y is 23 (Truthy)
6
• Logical operators:
Logical operators in javascript, unlike operators in other programming languages, do not return true or
false. They always return one of the operands.
OR ( | | ) operator - If the first value is truthy, then the first value is returned. Otherwise, always the second
value gets returned.
AND ( && ) operator - If both the values are truthy, always the second value is returned. If the first value is
falsy then the first value is returned or if the second value is falsy then the second value is returned.
Example:
var x = 220;
var y = "Hello";
var z = undefined;
if( x && y ){
console.log("Code runs" ); // This block runs because x && y returns "Hello" (Truthy)
}
if( x || z ){
console.log("Code runs"); // This block runs because x || y returns 220(Truthy)
}
• Equality Coercion
Equality coercion takes place when using ‘ == ‘ operator. As we have stated before
While the above statement is a simple way to explain == operator, it’s not completely true
The reality is that while using the ‘==’ operator, coercion takes place.
The ‘==’ operator, converts both the operands to the same type and then compares them.
Example:
var a = 12;
var b = "12";
a == b // Returns true because both 'a' and 'b' are converted to the same type and then compared. Hence the operands are
equal.
7
Coercion does not take place when using the ‘===’ operator. Both operands are not converted to the same
type in the case of ‘===’ operator.
Example:
var a = 226;
var b = "226";
a === b // Returns false because coercion does not take place and the operands are of different types. Hence they are not
equal.
JavaScript is a dynamically typed language. In a dynamically typed language, the type of a variable is
checked during run-time in contrast to a statically typed language, where the type of a variable is checked
during compile-time.
Since javascript is a loosely(dynamically) typed language, variables in JS are not associated with any type. A
variable can hold the value of any data type.
For example, a variable that is assigned a number type can be converted to a string type:
var a = 23;
var a = "Hello World!";
NaN property represents the “Not-a-Number” value. It indicates a value that is not a legal number.
Note- isNaN() function converts the given value to a Number type, and then equates to NaN.
In JavaScript, primitive data types are passed by value and non-primitive data types are passed by
reference.
For understanding passed by value and passed by reference, we need to understand what happens when
we create a variable and assign a value to it,
var x = 2;
In the above example, we created a variable x and assigned it a value of “2”. In the background, the “=”
(assign operator) allocates some space in the memory, stores the value “2” and returns the location of the
allocated memory space. Therefore, the variable x in the above code points to the location of the memory
space instead of pointing to the value 2 directly.
Assign operator behaves differently when dealing with primitive and non-primitive data types,
var y = 234;
var z = y;
9
In the above example, the assign operator knows that the value assigned to y is a primitive type (number
type in this case), so when the second line code executes, where the value of y is assigned to z, the assign
operator takes the value of y (234) and allocates a new space in the memory and returns the address.
Therefore, variable z is not pointing to the location of variable y, instead, it is pointing to a new location in
the memory.
var z = y;
From the above example, we can see that primitive data types when passed to another variable, are passed
by value. Instead of just assigning the same address to another variable, the value is passed and new space
of memory is created.
In the above example, the assign operator directly passes the location of the variable obj to the variable
obj2. In other words, the reference of the variable obj is passed to the variable obj2.
var obj = #8711; // obj pointing to address of { name: "Vivek", surname: "Bisht" }
10
var obj2 = obj;
obj.name = "Akki";
console.log(obj2);
// Returns {name:"Akki", surname:"Bisht"} since both the variables are pointing to the same address.
From the above example, we can see that while passing non-primitive data types, the assigned operator
directly passes the address (reference).
An Immediately Invoked Function ( known as IIFE and pronounced as IIFY) is a function that runs as soon
as it is defined.
Syntax of IIFE :
(function(){
// Do something;
})();
To understand IIFE, we need to understand the two sets of parentheses that are added while creating an
IIFE :
(function (){
//Do something;
})
While executing javascript code, whenever the compiler sees the word “function”, it assumes that we are
declaring a function in the code. Therefore, if we do not use the first set of parentheses, the compiler
throws an error because it thinks we are declaring a function, and by the syntax of declaring a function, a
function should always have a name.
function() {
//Do something;
}
// Compiler gives an error since the syntax of declaring a function is wrong in the code above.
To remove this error, we add the first set of parenthesis that tells the compiler that the function is not a
function declaration, instead, it’s a function expression.
11
(function (){
//Do something;
})();
From the definition of an IIFE, we know that our code should run as soon as it is defined. A function runs
only when it is invoked. If we do not invoke the function, the function declaration is returned:
(function (){
// Do something;
})
11. What do you mean by strict mode in javascript and characteristics of javascript strict-
mode?
In ECMAScript 5, a new feature called JavaScript Strict Mode allows you to write a code or a function in a
"strict" operational environment. In most cases, this language is 'not particularly severe' when it comes to
throwing errors. In 'Strict mode,' however, all forms of errors, including silent errors, will be thrown. As a
result, debugging becomes a lot simpler. Thus programmer's chances of making an error are lowered.
Functions that operate on other functions, either by taking them as arguments or by returning them, are
called higher-order functions.
function higherOrder(fn) {
fn();
}
12
var x = higherOrder2();
x() // Returns "Do something"
The “this” keyword refers to the object that the function is a property of.
The value of the “this” keyword will always depend on the object that is invoking the function. \
function doSomething() {
console.log(this);
}
doSomething();
What do you think the output of the above code will be?
The “this” keyword refers to the object that the function is a property of.
Since the function is invoked in the global context, the function is a property of the global object.
Therefore, the output of the above code will be the global object. Since we ran the above code inside the
browser, the global object is the window object.
Example 2:
var obj = {
name: "vivek",
getName: function(){
console.log(this.name);
}
}
obj.getName();
In the above code, at the time of invocation, the getName function is a property of the object obj ,
therefore, this keyword will refer to the object obj, and hence the output will be “vivek”.
13
Example 3:
var obj = {
name: "vivek",
getName: function(){
console.log(this.name);
}
Although the getName function is declared inside the object obj, at the time of invocation, getName() is a
property of obj2, therefore the “this” keyword will refer to obj2.
The silly way to understand the “this” keyword is, whenever the function is invoked, check the object
before the dot. The value of this . keyword will always be the object before the dot.
If there is no object before the dot-like in example1, the value of this keyword will be the global object.
Example 4:
var obj1 = {
address : "Mumbai,India",
getAddress: function(){
console.log(this.address);
}
}
Although in the code above, this keyword refers to the object obj2, obj2 does not have the property
“address”‘, hence the getAddress function throws an error.
14
Without being requested, a self-invoking expression is automatically invoked (initiated). If a function
expression is followed by (), it will execute automatically. A function declaration cannot be invoked by
itself.
Normally, we declare a function and call it, however, anonymous functions may be used to run a function
automatically when it is described and will not be called again. And there is no name for these kinds of
functions.
1. call():
function sayHello(){
return "Hello " + this.name;
}
sayHello.call(obj);
• call() method allows an object to use the method (function) of another object.
• Example 2:
var person = {
age: 23,
getAge: function(){
return this.age;
}
}
var person2 = {age: 54};
person.getAge.call(person2);
// Returns 54
function saySomething(message){
return this.name + " is " + message;
}
var person4 = {name: "John"};
saySomething.call(person4, "awesome");
// Returns "John is awesome"
apply()
The apply method is similar to the call() method. The only difference is that,
15
call() method takes arguments separately whereas, apply() method takes arguments as an array.
function saySomething(message){
return this.name + " is " + message;
}
var person4 = {name: "John"};
saySomething.apply(person4, ["awesome"]);
2. bind():
• This method returns a new function, where the value of “this” keyword will be bound to the owner
object, which is provided as a parameter.
• Example with arguments:
var bikeDetails = {
displayDetails: function(registrationNumber,brandName){
return this.name+ " , "+ "bike details: "+ registrationNumber + " , " + brandName;
}
}
detailsOfPerson1();
//Returns Vivek, bike details: TS0122, Bullet
16. What is the difference between exec () and test () methods in javascript?
16
add(3)(4)
For Example, if we have a function f(a,b), then the function after currying, will be transformed to f(a)(b).
By using the currying technique, we do not change the functionality of a function, we just change the way
it is invoked.
function multiply(a,b){
return a*b;
}
function currying(fn){
return function(a){
return function(b){
return fn(a,b);
}
}
}
As one can see in the code above, we have transformed the function multiply(a,b) to a
function curriedMultiply , which takes in one parameter at a time.
External JavaScript is the JavaScript Code (script) written in a separate file with the extension.js, and then
we link that file inside the <head> or <body> element of the HTML file where the code is to be placed.
1. It allows web designers and developers to collaborate on HTML and javascript files.
2. We can reuse the code.
3. Code readability is simple in external javascript.
Scope in JS determines the accessibility of variables and functions at various parts of one’s code.
In general terms, the scope will let us know at a given part of code, what are variables and functions we
can or cannot access.
17
• Global Scope
• Local or Function Scope
• Block Scope
Global Scope: Variables or functions declared in the global namespace have global scope, which means all
the variables and functions having global scope can be accessed from anywhere inside the code.
function sendMessage(){
return globalVariable; // can access globalVariable since it's written in global space
}
function sendMessage2(){
return sendMessage(); // Can access sendMessage function since it's written in global space
}
sendMessage2(); // Returns “Hello world”
Function Scope: Any variables or functions declared inside a function have local/function scope, which
means that all the variables and functions declared inside a function, can be accessed from within the
function and not outside of it.
function awesomeFunction(){
var a = 2;
Block Scope: Block scope is related to the variables declared using let and const. Variables declared with
var do not have block scope. Block scope tells us that any variable declared inside a block { }, can be
accessed only inside that block and cannot be accessed outside of it.
{
let x = 45;
}
console.log(x); // Gives reference error since x cannot be accessed outside of the block
console.log(i); // Gives reference error since i cannot be accessed outside of the for loop block
Scope Chain: JavaScript engine also uses Scope to find variables. Let’s understand that using an example:
var y = 24;
function favFunction(){
18
var x = 667;
var anotherFavFunction = function(){
console.log(x); // Does not find x inside anotherFavFunction, so looks for variable inside favFunction, outputs 667
}
anotherFavFunction();
yetAnotherFavFunction();
}
favFunction();
As you can see in the code above, if the javascript engine does not find the variable in local scope, it tries
to check for the variable in the outer scope. If the variable does not exist in the outer scope, it tries to
find the variable in the global scope.
If the variable is not found in the global space as well, a reference error is thrown.
Closures are an ability of a function to remember the variables and functions that are declared in its outer
scope.
this.getName = function(){
return name;
}
}
function randomFunc(){
var obj1 = {name:"Vivian", age:45};
return function(){
console.log(obj1.name + " is "+ "awesome"); // Has access to obj1 even when the randomFunc function is executed
}
}
initialiseClosure();
19
Let’s understand the code above,
The function randomFunc() gets executed and returns a function when we assign it to a variable:
initialiseClosure();
The line of code above outputs “Vivian is awesome” and this is possible because of closure.
When the function randomFunc() runs, it seems that the returning function is using the variable obj1 inside
it:
Therefore randomFunc(), instead of destroying the value of obj1 after execution, saves the value in the
memory for further reference. This is the reason why the returning function is able to use the variable
declared in the outer scope even after the function is already executed.
This ability of a function to store a variable for further reference even after it is executed is called
Closure.
1. Javascript is executed on the client-side as well as server-side also. There are a variety of Frontend
Frameworks that you may study and utilize. However, if you want to use JavaScript on the backend,
you'll need to learn NodeJS. It is currently the only JavaScript framework that may be used on the
backend.
2. Javascript is a simple language to learn.
3. Web pages now have more functionality because of Javascript.
4. To the end-user, Javascript is quite quick.
20
Let’s see prototypes help us use methods and properties:
In the code above, as one can see, we have not defined any property or method called push on the array
“arr” but the javascript engine does not throw an error.
The reason is the use of prototypes. As we discussed before, Array objects inherit properties from the
Array prototype.
The javascript engine sees that the method push does not exist on the current array object and therefore,
looks for the method push inside the Array prototype and it finds the method.
Whenever the property or method is not found on the current object, the javascript engine will always try
to look in its prototype and if it still does not exist, it looks inside the prototype's prototype and so on.
A callback is a function that will be executed after another function gets executed. In javascript, functions
are treated as first-class citizens, they can be used as an argument of another function, can be returned by
another function, and can be used as a property of an object.
Functions that are used as an argument to another function are called callback functions. Example:
function divideByHalf(sum){
console.log(Math.floor(sum / 2));
}
function multiplyBy2(sum){
console.log(sum * 2);
}
function operationOnSum(num1,num2,operation){
var sum = num1 + num2;
operation(sum);
}
21
operationOnSum(3, 3, divideByHalf); // Outputs 3
• In the code above, we are performing mathematical operations on the sum of two numbers. The
operationOnSum function takes 3 arguments, the first number, the second number, and the
operation that is to be performed on their sum (callback).
• Both divideByHalf and multiplyBy2 functions are used as callback functions in the code above.
• These callback functions will be executed only after the function operationOnSum is executed.
• Therefore, a callback is a function that will be executed after another function gets executed.
1. Syntax error: Syntax errors are mistakes or spelling problems in the code that cause the program to
not execute at all or to stop running halfway through. Error messages are usually supplied as well.
2. Logical error: Reasoning mistakes occur when the syntax is proper but the logic or program is
incorrect. The application executes without problems in this case. However, the output findings are
inaccurate. These are sometimes more difficult to correct than syntax issues since these
applications do not display error signals for logic faults.
Memoization is a form of caching where the return value of a function is cached based on its parameters.
If the parameter of that function is not changed, the cached version of the function is returned.
Let’s understand memoization, by converting a simple function to a memoized function:
Note- Memoization is used for expensive function calls but in the following example, we are considering a
simple function for understanding the concept of memoization better.
function addTo256(num){
return num + 256;
}
addTo256(20); // Returns 276
addTo256(40); // Returns 296
addTo256(20); // Returns 276
In the code above, we have written a function that adds the parameter to 256 and returns it.
When we are calling the function addTo256 again with the same parameter (“20” in the case above), we
are computing the result again for the same parameter.
Computing the result with the same parameter, again and again, is not a big deal in the above case, but
imagine if the function does some heavy-duty work, then, computing the result again and again with the
same parameter will lead to wastage of time.
22
This is where memoization comes in, by using memoization we can store(cache) the computed results
based on the parameters. If the same parameter is used again while invoking the function, instead of
computing the result, we directly return the stored (cached) value.
function memoizedAddTo256(){
var cache = {};
return function(num){
if(num in cache){
console.log("cached value");
return cache[num]
}
else{
cache[num] = num + 256;
return cache[num];
}
}
}
var memoizedFunc = memoizedAddTo256();
In the code above, if we run the memoizedFunc function with the same parameter, instead of computing
the result again, it returns the cached result.
Note- Although using memoization saves time, it results in larger consumption of memory since we are
storing all the computed results.
Recursion is a technique to iterate over an operation by having a function call itself repeatedly until it
arrives at a result.
function add(number) {
if (number <= 0) {
return 0;
} else {
return number + add(number - 1);
}
}
add(3) => 3 + add(2)
3 + 2 + add(1)
3 + 2 + 1 + add(0)
3+2+1+0=6
The following function calculates the sum of all the elements in an array by using recursion:
23
function computeSum(arr){
if(arr.length === 1){
return arr[0];
}
else{
return arr.pop() + computeSum(arr);
}
}
computeSum([7, 8, 9, 99]); // Returns 123
If we want to create multiple objects having similar properties and methods, constructor functions are
used.
Note- The name of a constructor function should always be written in Pascal Notation: every word
should start with a capital letter.
Example:
function Person(name,age,gender){
this.name = name;
this.age = age;
this.gender = gender;
}
In the code above, we have created a constructor function named Person. Whenever we want to create a
new object of the type Person, We need to create it using the new keyword:
The above line of code will create a new object of the type Person. Constructor functions allow us to
group similar objects.
• DOM stands for Document Object Model. DOM is a programming interface for HTML and XML
documents.
24
• When the browser tries to render an HTML document, it creates an object based on the HTML
document called DOM. Using this DOM, we can manipulate or change various elements inside the
HTML document.
• Example of how HTML code gets converted to DOM:
The charAt() function of the JavaScript string finds a char element at the supplied index. The index number
begins at 0 and continues up to n-1, Here n is the string length. The index value must be positive, higher
than, or the same as the string length.
Browser Object Model is known as BOM. It allows users to interact with the browser. A browser's initial
object is a window. As a result, you may call all of the window's functions directly or by referencing the
window. The document, history, screen, navigator, location, and other attributes are available in the
window object.
Client-side JavaScript is made up of two parts, a fundamental language and predefined objects for
performing JavaScript in a browser. JavaScript for the client is automatically included in the HTML pages.
At runtime, the browser understands this script.
25
Server-side JavaScript, involves the execution of JavaScript code on a server in response to client
requests. It handles these requests and delivers the relevant response to the client, which may include
client-side JavaScript for subsequent execution within the browser.
Arrow functions were introduced in the ES6 version of javascript. They provide us with a new and shorter
syntax for declaring functions. Arrow functions can only be used as a function expression.
Let’s compare the normal function declaration and the arrow function declaration in detail:
Arrow functions are declared without the function keyword. If there is only one returning expression then
we don’t need to use the return keyword as well in an arrow function as shown in the example above.
Also, for functions having just one line of code, curly braces { } can be omitted.
If the function takes in only one argument, then the parenthesis () around the parameter can be omitted as
shown in the code above.
26
var obj1 = {
valueOfThis: function(){
return this;
}
}
var obj2 = {
valueOfThis: ()=>{
return this;
}
}
The biggest difference between the traditional function expression and the arrow function is the handling
of this keyword. By general definition, this keyword always refers to the object that is calling the function.
As you can see in the code above, obj1.valueOfThis() returns obj1 since this keyword refers to the object
calling the function.
In the arrow functions, there is no binding of this keyword. This keyword inside an arrow function does
not refer to the object calling it. It rather inherits its value from the parent scope which is the window
object in this case. Therefore, in the code above, obj2.valueOfThis() returns the window object.
The Prototype Pattern produces different objects, but instead of returning uninitialized objects, it
produces objects that have values replicated from a template – or sample – object. Also known as the
Properties pattern, the Prototype pattern is used to create prototypes.
The introduction of business objects with parameters that match the database's default settings is a good
example of where the Prototype pattern comes in handy. The default settings for a newly generated
business object are stored in the prototype object.
The Prototype pattern is hardly used in traditional languages, however, it is used in the development of
new objects and templates in JavaScript, which is a prototypal language.
Before the ES6 version of javascript, only the keyword var was used to declare variables. With the ES6
Version, keywords let and const were introduced to declare variables.
27
var variable1 = 23;
function catchValues(){
console.log(variable1);
console.log(variable2);
// Both the variables can be accessed anywhere since they are declared in the global scope
}
• The variables declared with the let keyword in the global scope behave just like the variable
declared with the var keyword in the global scope.
• Variables declared in the global scope with var and let keywords can be accessed from anywhere in
the code.
• But, there is one difference! Variables that are declared with the var keyword in the global scope
are added to the window/global object. Therefore, they can be accessed using
window.variableName.
Whereas, the variables declared with the let keyword are not added to the global object, therefore,
trying to access such variables using window.variableName results in an error.
function varVsLetFunction(){
let awesomeCar1 = "Audi";
var awesomeCar2 = "Mercedes";
}
Variables are declared in a functional/local scope using var and let keywords behave exactly the same,
meaning, they cannot be accessed from outside of the scope.
{
var variable3 = [1, 2, 3, 4];
}
{
let variable4 = [6, 55, -1, 2];
}
28
console.log(i); // Throws error
console.log(j) // Outputs 2
• In javascript, a block means the code written inside the curly braces {}.
• Variables declared with var keyword do not have block scope. It means a variable declared in block
scope {} with the var keyword is the same as declaring the variable in the global scope.
• Variables declared with let keyword inside the block scope cannot be accessed from outside of the
block.
Const keyword
• Variables with the const keyword behave exactly like a variable declared with the let keyword with
only one difference, any variable declared with the const keyword cannot be reassigned.
• Example:
const x = {name:"Vivek"};
const y = 23;
In the code above, although we can change the value of a property inside the variable declared
with const keyword, we cannot completely reassign the variable itself.
Both rest parameter and spread operator were introduced in the ES6 version of javascript.
Rest parameter ( … ):
function extractingArgs(...args){
return args[1];
}
// extractingArgs(8,9,1); // Returns 9
29
function addAllArgs(...args){
let sumOfArgs = 0;
let i = 0;
while(i < args.length){
sumOfArgs += args[i];
i++;
}
return sumOfArgs;
}
**Note- Rest parameter should always be used at the last parameter of a function:
• Spread operator (…): Although the syntax of the spread operator is exactly the same as the rest
parameter, the spread operator is used to spreading an array, and object literals. We also use spread
operators where one or more arguments are expected in a function call.
function addFourNumbers(num1,num2,num3,num4){
return num1 + num2 + num3 + num4;
}
addFourNumbers(...fourNumbers);
// Spreads [5,6,7,8] as 5,6,7,8
30
***Note- Key differences between rest parameter and spread operator:
• Rest parameter is used to take a variable number of arguments and turns them into an array
while the spread operator takes an array or an object and spreads it
• Rest parameter is used in function declaration whereas the spread operator is used in
function calls.
1. Object.
2. using Class.
3. create Method.
4. Object Literals.
5. using Function.
6. Object Constructor.
Before promises, callbacks were used to handle asynchronous operations. But due to the limited
functionality of callbacks, using multiple callbacks to handle asynchronous code can lead to unmanageable
code.
• Pending - Initial state of promise. This state represents that the promise has neither been fulfilled
nor been rejected, it is in the pending state.
• Fulfilled - This state represents that the promise has been fulfilled, meaning the async operation is
completed.
• Rejected - This state represents that the promise has been rejected for some reason, meaning the
async operation has failed.
• Settled - This state represents that the promise has been either rejected or fulfilled.
A promise is created using the Promise constructor which takes in a callback function with two
parameters, resolve and reject respectively.
31
resolve is a function that will be called when the async operation has been successfully completed.
reject is a function that will be called, when the async operation fails or if some error occurs.
Example of a promise:
Promises are used to handle asynchronous operations like server requests, for ease of understanding, we
are using an operation to calculate the sum of three elements.
function sumOfThreeElements(...elements){
return new Promise((resolve,reject)=>{
if(elements.length > 3 ){
reject("Only three elements or less are allowed");
}
else{
let sum = 0;
let i = 0;
while(i < elements.length){
sum += elements[i];
i++;
}
resolve("Sum has been calculated: "+sum);
}
})
}
In the code above, we are calculating the sum of three elements, if the length of the elements array is
more than 3, a promise is rejected, or else the promise is resolved and the sum is returned.
We can consume any promise by attaching then() and catch() methods to the consumer.
32
then() method is used to access the result when the promise is fulfilled.
catch() method is used to access the result/error when the promise is rejected. In the code below, we are
consuming the promise:
sumOfThreeElements(4, 5, 6)
.then(result=> console.log(result))
.catch(error=> console.log(error));
// In the code above, the promise is fulfilled so the then() method gets executed
Introduced in the ES6 version, classes are nothing but syntactic sugars for constructor functions. They
provide a new way of declaring constructor functions in javascript. Below are the examples of how classes
are declared and used:
• Unlike functions, classes are not hoisted. A class cannot be used before it is declared.
• A class can inherit properties and methods from other classes by using the extend keyword.
• All the syntaxes inside the class must follow the strict mode(‘use strict’) of javascript. An error will
be thrown if the strict mode rules are not followed.
Introduced in the ES6 version, generator functions are a special class of functions.
They can be stopped midway and then continue from where they had stopped.
Generator functions are declared with the function* keyword instead of the normal function keyword:
function* genFunc(){
// Perform operation
}
In normal functions, we use the return keyword to return a value and as soon as the return statement gets
executed, the function execution stops:
function normalFunc(){
return 22;
console.log(2); // This line of code does not get executed
}
34
In the case of generator functions, when called, they do not execute the code, instead, they return
a generator object. This generator object handles the execution.
function* genFunc(){
yield 3;
yield 4;
}
genFunc(); // Returns Object [Generator] {}
The generator object consists of a method called next(), this method when called, executes the code until
the nearest yield statement, and returns the yield value.
As one can see the next method returns an object consisting of a value and done properties. Value
property represents the yielded value. Done property tells us whether the function code is finished or not.
(Returns true if finished).
Generator functions are used to return iterators. Let’s see an example where an iterator is returned:
function* iteratorFunc() {
let count = 0;
for (let i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
count++;
yield i;
}
return count;
}
As you can see in the code above, the last line returns done:true, since the code reaches the return
statement.
In javascript, a Set is a collection of unique and ordered elements. Just like Set, WeakSet is also a
collection of unique and ordered elements with some key differences:
A callback function is a method that is sent as an input to another function (now let us name this other
function "thisFunction"), and it is performed inside the thisFunction after the function has completed
execution.
JavaScript is a scripting language that is based on events. Instead of waiting for a reply before continuing,
JavaScript will continue to run while monitoring for additional events. Callbacks are a technique of
ensuring that a particular code does not run until another code has completed its execution.
In javascript, Map is used to store key-value pairs. The key-value pairs can be of both primitive and non-
primitive types. WeakMap is similar to Map with key differences:
const classDetails = {
strength: 78,
benches: 39,
blackBoard:1
}
36
The same example using object destructuring:
const classDetails = {
strength: 78,
benches: 39,
blackBoard:1
}
console.log(classStrength); // Outputs 78
console.log(classBenches); // Outputs 39
console.log(classBlackBoard); // Outputs 1
As one can see, using object destructuring we have extracted all the elements inside an object in one line
of code. If we want our new variable to have the same name as the property of an object we can remove
the colon:
Programers build objects, which are representations of real-time entities, in traditional OO programming.
Classes and objects are the two sorts of abstractions. A class is a generalization of an object, whereas an
object is an abstraction of an actual thing. A Vehicle, for example, is a specialization of a Car. As a result,
automobiles (class) are descended from vehicles (object).
Classical inheritance differs from prototypal inheritance in that classical inheritance is confined to classes
that inherit from those remaining classes, but prototypal inheritance allows any object to be cloned via an
object linking method. Despite going into too many specifics, a prototype essentially serves as a template
for those other objects, whether they extend the parent object or not.
37
14. What is a Temporal Dead Zone?
Temporal Dead Zone is a behaviour that occurs with variables declared using let and const keywords. It is
a behaviour where we try to access a variable before it is initialized. Examples of temporal dead zone:
let x;
function anotherRandomFunc(){
message = "Hello"; // Throws a reference error
let message;
}
anotherRandomFunc();
In the code above, both in the global scope and functional scope, we are trying to access variables that
have not been declared yet. This is called the Temporal Dead Zone.
JavaScript design patterns are repeatable approaches for errors that arise sometimes when building
JavaScript browser applications. They truly assist us in making our code more stable.
• Creational Design Pattern: The object generation mechanism is addressed by the JavaScript
Creational Design Pattern. They aim to make items that are appropriate for a certain scenario.
• Structural Design Pattern: The JavaScript Structural Design Pattern explains how the classes and
objects we've generated so far can be combined to construct bigger frameworks. This pattern
makes it easier to create relationships between items by defining a straightforward way to do so.
• Behavioral Design Pattern: This design pattern highlights typical patterns of communication
between objects in JavaScript. As a result, the communication may be carried out with greater
freedom.
The variable's data is always a reference for objects, hence it's always pass by value. As a result, if you
supply an object and alter its members inside the method, the changes continue outside of it. It appears to
be pass by reference in this case. However, if you modify the values of the object variable, the change will
not last, demonstrating that it is indeed passed by value.
17. Difference between Async/Await and Generators usage to achieve the same
functionality.
38
• Generator functions are run by their generator yield by yield which means one output at a time,
whereas Async-await functions are executed sequentially one after another.
• Async/await provides a certain use case for Generators easier to execute.
• The output result of the Generator function is always value: X, done: Boolean, but the return value
of the Async function is always an assurance or throws an error.
A primitive is a data type that isn't composed of other data types. It's only capable of displaying one value
at a time. By definition, every primitive is a built-in data type (the compiler must be knowledgeable of
them) nevertheless, not all built-in datasets are primitives. In JavaScript, there are 5 different forms of
basic data. The following values are available:
1. Boolean
2. Undefined
3. Null
4. Number
5. String
The processing of HTML code while the page loads are disabled by nature till the script hasn't halted. Your
page will be affected if your network is a bit slow, or if the script is very hefty. When you use Deferred,
the script waits for the HTML parser to finish before executing it. This reduces the time it takes for web
pages to load, allowing them to appear more quickly.
20. What has to be done in order to put Lexical Scoping into practice?
To support lexical scoping, a JavaScript function object's internal state must include not just the function's
code but also a reference to the current scope chain.
Every executing function, code block, and script as a whole in JavaScript has a related object known as the
Lexical Environment. The preceding code line returns the value in scope.
39
JavaScript Coding Interview Questions
1. Guess the outputs of the following codes:
// Code 1:
function func1(){
setTimeout(()=>{
console.log(x);
console.log(y);
},3000);
var x = 2;
let y = 12;
}
func1();
// Code 2:
function func2(){
for(var i = 0; i < 3; i++){
setTimeout(()=> console.log(i),2000);
}
}
func2();
// Code 3:
(function(){
setTimeout(()=> console.log(1),2000);
console.log(2);
setTimeout(()=> console.log(3),0);
console.log(4);
})();
Answers:
• Code 1 - Outputs 2 and 12. Since, even though let variables are not hoisted, due to the async
nature of javascript, the complete function code runs before the setTimeout function. Therefore, it
has access to both x and y.
• Code 2 - Outputs 3, three times since variable declared with var keyword does not have block
scope. Also, inside the for loop, the variable i is incremented first and then checked.
• Code 3 - Output in the following order:
2
4
3
1 // After two seconds
Even though the second timeout function has a waiting time of zero seconds, the javascript engine always
evaluates the setTimeout function using the Web API, and therefore, the complete function executes
before the setTimeout function can execute.
40
2. Guess the outputs of the following code:
// Code 1:
// Code 2:
function runFunc(){
console.log("1" + 1);
console.log("A" - 1);
console.log(2 + "-2" + "2");
console.log("Hello" - "World" + 78);
console.log("Hello"+ "78");
}
runFunc();
// Code 3:
let a = 0;
let b = false;
console.log((a == b));
console.log((a === b));
Answers:
While setting a property of an object, javascript coerces the parameter into a string.
11
Nan
2-22
NaN
Hello78
true
41
false
(function(){
var x = 43;
(function random(){
x++;
console.log(x);
var x = 21;
})();
})();
Answer:
Output is NaN.
random() function has functional scope since x is declared and hoisted in the functional scope.
Rewriting the random function will give a better idea about the output:
function random(){
var x; // x is hoisted
x++; // x is not a number since it is not initialized yet
console.log(x); // Outputs NaN
x = 21; // Initialization of x
}
let hero = {
powerLevel: 99,
getPower(){
return this.powerLevel;
}
}
// Code 2
const a = function(){
console.log(this);
42
const b = {
func1: function(){
console.log(this);
}
}
const c = {
func2: ()=>{
console.log(this);
}
}
b.func1();
c.func2();
}
a();
// Code 3
const b = {
name:"Vivek",
f: function(){
var self = this;
console.log(this.name);
(function(){
console.log(this.name);
console.log(self.name);
})();
}
}
b.f();
Answers:
undefined
42
Reason - The first output is undefined since when the function is invoked, it is invoked referencing the
global object:
window.getPower() = getPower();
global/window object
object "b"
global/window object
43
Since we are using the arrow function inside func2, this keyword refers to the global object.
"Vivek"
undefined
"Vivek"
Only in the IIFE inside the function f, this keyword refers to the global/window object.
**Note - Code 2 and Code 3 require you to modify the code, instead of guessing the output.
// Code 1
(function(a){
return (function(){
console.log(a);
a = 23;
})()
})(45);
// Code 2
function bigFunc(element){
let newArray = new Array(700).fill('♥');
return newArray[element];
}
// Code 3
// The following code outputs 2 and 2 after waiting for one second
// Modify the code to output 0 and 1 after one second.
function randomFunc(){
for(var i = 0; i < 2; i++){
setTimeout(()=> console.log(i),1000);
}
}
randomFunc();
Answers -
function bigFunc(){
let newArray = new Array(700).fill('♥');
return (element) => newArray[element];
}
function randomFunc(){
for(let i = 0; i < 2; i++){
setTimeout(()=> console.log(i),1000);
}
}
randomFunc();
Using closure:
function randomFunc(){
for(var i = 0; i < 2; i++){
(function(i){
setTimeout(()=>console.log(i),1000);
})(i);
}
}
randomFunc();
45
7. Implement a function that returns an updated array with r right rotations on an array of
integers a .
Example:
return [4,5,7,2,3]
Answer:
function rotateRight(arr,rotations){
if(rotations == 0) return arr;
for(let i = 0; i < rotations;i++){
let element = arr.pop();
arr.unshift(element);
}
return arr;
}
rotateRight([2, 3, 4, 5, 7], 3); // Return [4,5,7,2,3]
rotateRight([44, 1, 22, 111], 5); // Returns [111,44,1,22]
9. Write the code given If two strings are anagrams of one another, then return true.
var firstWord = "Deepak";
var secondWord = "Aman";
// Sort the strings, then combine the array to a string. Examine the outcomes.
a = a.split("").sort().join("");
b = b.split("").sort().join("");
46
return a === b;
}
Ans.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
47
8
9
10
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
Conclusion
It is preferable to keep the JavaScript, CSS, and HTML in distinct Separate 'javascript' files. Dividing the
code and HTML sections will make them easier to understand and deal with. This strategy is also simpler
for several programmers to use at the same time. JavaScript code is simple to update. Numerous pages can
utilize the same group of JavaScript Codes. If we utilize External JavaScript scripts and need to alter the
code, we must do it just once. So that we may utilize a number and maintain it much more easily.
Remember that professional experience and expertise are only one aspect of recruitment. Previous
experience and personal skills are both vital in landing (or finding the ideal applicant for the job.
Remember that many JavaScript structured interviews are free and have no one proper answer. Explain
your answer process and be prepared to address it. If you're looking to further enhance your JavaScript
skills, consider enrolling in this free JavaScript course by Scaler Topics to gain hands-on experience and
improve your problem-solving abilities.
48
49