JavaScript Is A Versatile and Widely
JavaScript Is A Versatile and Widely
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let name = "Alice";
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let age = 30;
let height = 5.7;
3. Boolean: Represents a logical entity and can have two values: true or false.
Example:
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let isActive = true;
4. Null: Represents the intentional absence of any object value. It is a primitive type that
represents "nothing." Example:
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let data = null;
5. Undefined: A variable that has been declared but has not yet been assigned a value.
Example:
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let score;
console.log(score); // Outputs: undefined
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const sym = Symbol('description');
Non-Primitive Data Types
1. Object: A collection of key-value pairs, where keys are strings (or Symbols) and
values can be any data type. Objects are mutable. Example:
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let person = {
name: "Alice",
age: 30,
};
• ==(Equality Operator): Compares two values for equality after converting them to a
common type (type coercion). Example:
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console.log(5 == '5'); // Outputs: true (number and string are
coerced to the same type)
• === (Strict Equality Operator): Compares both the value and type without type
coercion. Example:
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console.log(5 === '5'); // Outputs: false (different types)
Type Coercion
Type coercion occurs when JavaScript automatically converts one data type to another. When
using ==, JavaScript attempts to convert both values to the same type before comparison. For
example, null == undefined evaluates to true, while 0 == '0' also evaluates to true
after type conversion.
Closures in JavaScript
A closure is a function that retains access to its lexical scope, even when the function is
executed outside that scope. This means that a closure can remember the environment in
which it was created, allowing it to access variables from the enclosing scope even after that
scope has finished executing.
Example:
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function outerFunction() {
let outerVariable = 'I am outside!';
The event loop is a mechanism that allows JavaScript to perform non-blocking operations,
managing asynchronous tasks. It works with the call stack and callback queue.
1. Call Stack: Keeps track of the currently executing function. When a function is
called, it is pushed onto the stack, and when it returns, it is popped off.
2. Callback Queue: Holds messages and functions that are ready to be executed. When
the call stack is empty, the event loop takes the first function from the queue and
pushes it onto the stack.
The event loop continuously checks if the call stack is empty and if there are tasks in the
callback queue to execute.
Hoisting
Hoisting is a JavaScript behavior where variable and function declarations are moved to the
top of their containing scope during the compilation phase.
1. Variable Declarations: Only the declarations are hoisted, not the initializations.
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console.log(x); // Outputs: undefined
var x = 5;
2. Function Declarations: Both the declaration and the definition are hoisted.
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greet(); // Outputs: "Hello!"
function greet() {
console.log("Hello!");
}
Promises
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let myPromise = new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
// asynchronous operation
});
myPromise
.then(result => console.log(result)) // When fulfilled
.catch(error => console.error(error)) // When rejected
.finally(() => console.log('Done')); // Always executed
async and await are keywords that simplify working with promises, making asynchronous
code easier to read and write.
Example:
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async function fetchData() {
try {
let response = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
let data = await response.json();
console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}
The keyword this refers to the context in which a function is executed. The value of this
can change based on how the function is called:
1. Global Context: In the global context, this refers to the global object (e.g., window
in browsers).
2. Object Method: When a function is called as a method of an object, this refers to
that object.
3. Constructor Function: Inside a constructor, this refers to the instance being
created.
4. Arrow Functions: Do not have their own this. Instead, they lexically bind this
from their surrounding scope.
1. var:
o Scope: Function-scoped or globally-scoped.
o Hoisting: Declarations are hoisted, but not initializations.
o Reassignment: Can be reassigned.
2. let:
o Scope: Block-scoped.
o Hoisting: Declarations are hoisted but are not initialized (cannot be accessed
before declaration).
o Reassignment: Can be reassigned.
3. const:
o Scope: Block-scoped.
o Hoisting: Same hoisting behavior as let.
o Reassignment: Cannot be reassigned (but objects declared with const can
have their properties mutated).
Prototypes in JavaScript
JavaScript uses prototypal inheritance, allowing objects to inherit properties and methods
from other objects. Every JavaScript object has a prototype, which is another object from
which it can inherit properties.
1. Prototype Chain: When accessing a property or method, if it's not found in the object
itself, JavaScript checks the object's prototype and continues up the prototype chain
until it finds the property or reaches the end.
2. Creating Inheritance:
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function Animal(name) {
this.name = name;
}
Animal.prototype.speak = function() {
console.log(`${this.name} makes a noise.`);
};
function Dog(name) {
Animal.call(this, name); // Call the Animal constructor
}
Higher-Order Functions
Examples
1. Function as an Argument:
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function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
function processUserInput(callback) {
let name = 'Alice';
console.log(callback(name));
}
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function multiplier(factor) {
return function(x) {
return x * factor;
};
}
Debouncing a Function
Debouncing is a technique used to limit the rate at which a function can fire. It ensures that a
function is only executed after a specified amount of time has passed since it was last called.
This is particularly useful for optimizing performance in scenarios like handling resize or
scroll events.
Implementation
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function debounce(func, delay) {
let timeoutId;
return function(...args) {
// Clear the timeout if it exists
if (timeoutId) {
clearTimeout(timeoutId);
}
// Set a new timeout
timeoutId = setTimeout(() => {
func.apply(this, args);
}, delay);
};
}
// Usage example
const handleResize = debounce(() => {
console.log('Window resized');
}, 300);
window.addEventListener('resize', handleResize);
In this example, the handleResize function will only execute 300 milliseconds after the last
resize event, preventing it from being called too frequently.
Synchronous code executes sequentially, meaning each operation must complete before the
next one begins. In contrast, asynchronous code allows operations to run concurrently,
enabling the program to continue executing without waiting for an operation to finish.
Key Differences
• Execution: In synchronous code, tasks are completed one after the other. In
asynchronous code, tasks can be initiated and completed at different times.
• Blocking vs. Non-blocking: Synchronous operations block the execution thread until
they are complete. Asynchronous operations do not block the thread, allowing other
code to run while waiting for a task to complete.
JavaScript handles asynchronous operations using callbacks, promises, and the async/await
syntax to ensure smooth execution without blocking the main thread.
1. call(): Calls a function with a specified this value and arguments provided
individually.
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function greet() {
console.log(`Hello, ${this.name}`);
}
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function greet(greeting) {
console.log(`${greeting}, ${this.name}`);
}
const user = { name: 'Bob' };
greet.apply(user, ['Hi']); // Outputs: Hi, Bob
3. bind(): Returns a new function with a specified this value, allowing you to call the
function later.
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function greet() {
console.log(`Hello, ${this.name}`);
}
Immutability in JavaScript
Importance of Immutability
1. Predictability: Immutable data structures lead to fewer side effects, making code
easier to reason about.
2. Performance Optimization: Immutable data can improve performance in scenarios
like functional programming and state management, allowing for easier comparison
and change detection.
3. Concurrency: Immutable data structures can be safely shared between different
threads or processes without risk of unexpected changes.
• Using Object.freeze():
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const obj = Object.freeze({ name: 'Alice' });
// obj.name = 'Bob'; // Throws error in strict mode or fails silently
• Using libraries: Libraries like Immutable.js or immer.js provide data structures and
methods that facilitate immutability.
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const { Map } = require('immutable');
const myMap = Map({ key: 'value' });
const newMap = myMap.set('key', 'new value'); // Returns a new
immutable Map
Here's an overview of the topics you've requested regarding template literals, arrow
functions, destructuring assignments, the spread operator, and default parameters in
JavaScript.
Template Literals
Template literals are a feature introduced in ES6 (ECMAScript 2015) that provide a more
flexible and powerful way to work with strings.
Key Features:
1. Multi-line Strings: Template literals allow you to create strings that span multiple
lines without the need for escape characters.
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const multiLineString = `This is a string
that spans multiple lines.`;
console.log(multiLineString);
2. String Interpolation: You can embed expressions inside template literals using ${}
syntax. This makes it easy to include variables and expressions in strings.
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const name = 'Alice';
const greeting = `Hello, ${name}!`;
console.log(greeting); // Outputs: Hello, Alice!
Arrow Functions
Arrow functions are a concise way to write function expressions in JavaScript. They have
several unique features that distinguish them from regular functions.
Key Differences:
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// Regular function
const add = function(a, b) {
return a + b;
};
// Arrow function
const addArrow = (a, b) => a + b;
2. Lexical this Binding: Unlike regular functions, arrow functions do not have their
own this context; they inherit this from the enclosing lexical scope. This is
particularly useful in callbacks.
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function Counter() {
this.count = 0;
setInterval(() => {
this.count++; // 'this' refers to Counter instance
console.log(this.count);
}, 1000);
}
const counter = new Counter(); // Outputs: 1, 2, 3... every second
3. Arguments Object: Arrow functions do not have their own arguments object. If you
need to access the arguments passed to the function, you have to use rest parameters
or access them from the enclosing scope.
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const arrowFunc = (...args) => {
console.log(args); // Rest parameter to capture arguments
};
arrowFunc(1, 2, 3); // Outputs: [1, 2, 3]
Destructuring Assignments
Destructuring is a convenient syntax introduced in ES6 that allows you to unpack values
from arrays or properties from objects into distinct variables.
Array Destructuring:
You can extract values from an array and assign them to variables in a single statement.
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const colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue'];
const [firstColor, secondColor] = colors;
console.log(firstColor); // Outputs: red
console.log(secondColor); // Outputs: green
Object Destructuring:
You can extract properties from an object and assign them to variables based on the property
names.
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const person = { name: 'Alice', age: 25 };
const { name, age } = person;
console.log(name); // Outputs: Alice
console.log(age); // Outputs: 25
You can also provide default values and rename variables while destructuring.
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const { name: fullName, gender = 'unknown' } = person;
console.log(fullName); // Outputs: Alice
console.log(gender); // Outputs: unknown
Spread Operator
The spread operator (...) is a feature introduced in ES6 that allows you to expand elements
of an iterable (like an array) or merge objects into another array or object.
Array Example:
You can use the spread operator to create a new array that includes elements from another
array.
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const numbers = [1, 2, 3];
const newNumbers = [...numbers, 4, 5];
console.log(newNumbers); // Outputs: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Object Example:
You can merge objects or create shallow copies of objects using the spread operator.
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const obj1 = { a: 1, b: 2 };
const obj2 = { b: 3, c: 4 };
const mergedObj = { ...obj1, ...obj2 };
console.log(mergedObj); // Outputs: { a: 1, b: 3, c: 4 }
Default Parameters
Default parameters allow you to specify default values for function parameters in case no
arguments or undefined are passed when the function is called. This feature makes functions
more robust and easier to work with.
Example:
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function multiply(a, b = 1) {
return a * b;
}
You can also use expressions for default parameters, which can reference other parameters or
use function calls.
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function greet(name, greeting = `Hello, ${name}!`) {
return greeting;
}
Functional Programming
1. First-Class Functions: Functions are treated as first-class citizens, meaning they can
be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, and returned from other functions.
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const add = (a, b) => a + b;
const operation = add; // Function assigned to a variable
console.log(operation(2, 3)); // Outputs: 5
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const applyOperation = (operation, x, y) => operation(x, y);
console.log(applyOperation(add, 5, 10)); // Outputs: 15
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const original = [1, 2, 3];
const newArray = [...original, 4]; // Original array remains
unchanged
4. Pure Functions: Functions that return the same output for the same input without
side effects.
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const square = x => x * x; // Pure function
5. Function Composition: Combining simple functions to create more complex
functions.
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const compose = (f, g) => x => f(g(x));
const add1 = x => x + 1;
const square = x => x * x;
const add1ThenSquare = compose(square, add1);
console.log(add1ThenSquare(2)); // Outputs: 9
Currying
Currying is the process of transforming a function that takes multiple arguments into a
sequence of functions, each taking a single argument. This allows you to create more reusable
and modular functions.
Example of Currying:
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const add = (a) => (b) => a + b;
Memoization
Memoization is an optimization technique that caches the results of expensive function calls
and returns the cached result when the same inputs occur again. This can significantly
improve performance, especially for functions that are called frequently with the same
parameters.
Example of Memoization:
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const memoizedAdd = (() => {
const cache = {};
return (a, b) => {
const key = `${a},${b}`;
if (cache[key]) {
return cache[key]; // Return cached result
}
const result = a + b;
cache[key] = result; // Store result in cache
return result;
};
})();
Pure Functions
Pure functions are functions that have two key properties:
1. No Side Effects: They do not modify any external state or variables, ensuring that the
function's execution does not affect the program's state outside of the function.
2. Consistent Return Values: They return the same output for the same inputs, making
them predictable and easier to test.
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const multiply = (a, b) => a * b; // Pure function
console.log(multiply(3, 4)); // Outputs: 12
Improving the performance of a JavaScript application can enhance user experience and
responsiveness. Here are several strategies:
1. Minimizing DOM Manipulation: Reduce direct interactions with the DOM, as it can
be slow. Instead, batch updates or use virtual DOM techniques (e.g., with libraries
like React).
2. Using Web Workers: Offload heavy computations to web workers, which run in the
background and do not block the main thread, keeping the UI responsive.
3. Code Splitting: Split your code into smaller chunks that can be loaded on demand
rather than loading everything at once. This reduces initial load time.
4. Optimizing Images: Use appropriate image formats and sizes, implement lazy
loading, and compress images to reduce loading times and bandwidth usage.
Lazy Loading
Lazy loading is a design pattern that postpones the loading of resources until they are
actually needed. This improves the initial load time of a web application by reducing the
amount of content loaded upfront.
Example:
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<img src="placeholder.jpg" data-src="actual-image.jpg" class="lazy"
alt="Lazy Loaded Image">
With JavaScript, you can load the actual image when it comes into the viewport.
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const lazyImages = document.querySelectorAll('img.lazy');
const options = { root: null, rootMargin: '0px', threshold: 0.1 };
lazyImages.forEach(img => {
observer.observe(img); // Start observing each lazy image
});
Service Workers
Service workers are scripts that run in the background, separate from a web page, enabling
features like offline access, background sync, and caching.
Key Features:
1. Act as a Proxy: Service workers act as a proxy between the web application and the
network, intercepting network requests and caching resources for offline access.
2. Caching: You can cache assets to improve load times and provide offline support.
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self.addEventListener('install', event => {
event.waitUntil(
caches.open('my-cache').then(cache => {
return cache.addAll(['/', '/index.html', '/styles.css']);
})
);
});
3. Background Sync: Service workers can sync data in the background, ensuring the
application remains up to date even when offline.
Shallow copy and deep copy are two methods of duplicating objects in JavaScript.
1. Shallow Copy: A shallow copy creates a new object but only copies the top-level
properties. Nested objects are still referenced, meaning changes to the nested object
will reflect in both the original and copied object.
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const original = { a: 1, b: { c: 2 } };
const shallowCopy = { ...original };
shallowCopy.b.c = 3;
console.log(original.b.c); // Outputs: 3 (affected)
2. Deep Copy: A deep copy creates a new object along with copies of all nested objects,
ensuring that changes to the nested objects do not affect the original object. You can
achieve deep copying using techniques such as recursion or libraries like Lodash.
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const original = { a: 1, b: { c: 2 } };
const deepCopy = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(original)); // Simple
method for deep copying
deepCopy.b.c = 3;
console.log(original.b.c); // Outputs: 2 (not affected)
Error handling in JavaScript is crucial for building robust applications. JavaScript provides
several mechanisms for managing errors, including try...catch blocks, custom error
handling, and the throw statement.
1. Try...Catch Blocks
The try...catch statement allows you to handle exceptions gracefully. The code inside the
try block is executed, and if an error occurs, control is passed to the catch block.
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try {
// Code that may throw an error
const result = riskyFunction();
console.log(result);
} catch (error) {
// Handle the error
console.error('An error occurred:', error.message);
}
You can create custom error types by extending the built-in Error class. This allows you to
provide more specific error information.
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class CustomError extends Error {
constructor(message) {
super(message);
this.name = 'CustomError';
}
}
try {
throw new CustomError('Something went wrong!');
} catch (error) {
console.error(`${error.name}: ${error.message}`);
}
You can use the throw statement to manually throw an error. This can be useful for enforcing
conditions in your code.
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function checkPositive(number) {
if (number < 0) {
throw new Error('Number must be positive');
}
return number;
}
try {
checkPositive(-5);
} catch (error) {
console.error(error.message); // Outputs: Number must be positive
}
JavaScript Modules
JavaScript modules are a way to encapsulate code into reusable components. They help with
code organization, prevent global scope pollution, and allow for better maintainability.
1. Module Syntax
With ES6, you can export and import modules using the export and import statements.
Exporting:
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// math.js
export const add = (a, b) => a + b;
export const subtract = (a, b) => a - b;
Importing:
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// main.js
import { add, subtract } from './math.js';
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// logger.js
const log = (message) => console.log(message);
export default log;
// main.js
import log from './logger.js';
log('Hello, world!'); // Outputs: Hello, world!
Modules help with scope management by creating a separate scope for each module,
preventing variable collisions.
Advanced Concepts
• Undefined: A variable that has been declared but has not yet been assigned a value is
undefined.
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let x;
console.log(x); // Outputs: undefined
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let y = null;
console.log(y); // Outputs: null
The with statement extends the scope chain for a block of statements. It allows you to access
properties of an object without repeatedly specifying the object name. However, its use is
generally discouraged due to potential confusion and performance issues.
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const obj = { a: 1, b: 2 };
with (obj) {
console.log(a); // Outputs: 1
console.log(b); // Outputs: 2
}
3. Prototypal Inheritance
JavaScript uses prototypal inheritance, meaning that objects can inherit properties and
methods from other objects via the prototype chain.
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const animal = {
speak() {
console.log('Animal speaks');
}
};
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class Animal {}
class Dog extends Animal {}
IIFEs are functions that execute immediately after they are defined. They create a new scope
and help avoid polluting the global namespace.
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(function() {
const temp = 'I am an IIFE';
console.log(temp); // Outputs: I am an IIFE
})();
Miscellaneous
1. Closures
Closures are functions that retain access to their outer scope even after the outer function has
finished executing. They are useful for data encapsulation and maintaining state.
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function createCounter() {
let count = 0;
return function() {
count++;
return count;
};
}
• Global Scope: Variables declared outside of any function are globally accessible.
• Function Scope: Variables declared within a function are only accessible inside that
function.
• Block Scope: Variables declared with let and const within a block (like an if
statement or a loop) are only accessible within that block.
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var globalVar = 'I am global';
function myFunction() {
var functionVar = 'I am function scoped';
if (true) {
let blockVar = 'I am block scoped';
console.log(blockVar); // Outputs: I am block scoped
}
console.log(functionVar); // Outputs: I am function scoped
}
myFunction();
console.log(globalVar); // Outputs: I am global
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const obj = { a: 1, b: 2 };
for (const key in obj) {
console.log(key); // Outputs: a, b
}
• for...of: Iterates over the values of iterable objects like arrays, strings, etc.
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const array = [1, 2, 3];
for (const value of array) {
console.log(value); // Outputs: 1, 2, 3
}
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function testDebug() {
const a = 1;
const b = 2;
debugger; // Execution will pause here if developer tools are open
return a + b;
}
testDebug();
The JavaScript engine is responsible for executing JavaScript code. Its process generally
involves three main steps:
1. Parsing: The engine parses the JavaScript code into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST),
which represents the structure of the code.
2. Compilation: The engine compiles the AST into bytecode or machine code.
3. Execution: The engine executes the compiled code. During this phase, memory is
allocated for variables, and the code runs in the call stack.
Popular JavaScript engines include V8 (used in Chrome and Node.js), SpiderMonkey (used
in Firefox), and JavaScriptCore (used in Safari).