The let
keyword in JavaScript is used to declare variables. Introduced in ES6 (ECMAScript 2015), it provides block-scoped variable declaration, making it a better alternative to var
in most cases.
Syntax of let
let variableName = value;
let
: The keyword used to declare the variable.variableName
: The name of the variable.value
: The initial value assigned to the variable (optional).
Features of let
Block Scope
Variables declared with let
are confined to the block in which they are defined. A block is anything between { }
. Example:
{
let x = 10; // x is only accessible within this block
console.log(x); // Outputs 10
}
console.log(x); // Error: x is not defined
No Hoisting (Temporal Dead Zone)
Variables declared with let
are not accessible before their declaration.
Example:
console.log(x); // Error: Cannot access 'x' before initialization
let x = 5;
Reassignment Allowed
Variables declared with let
can be reassigned to new values.
Example:
let name = "Junaid";
name = "Arsheen"; // Reassignment is allowed
console.log(name); // Outputs "Arsheen"
Cannot Be Redeclared in the Same Scope
Using let
to declare the same variable in the same scope will result in an error.
Example:
let age = 25;
let age = 30; // Error: Identifier 'age' has already been declared
Difference Between let
and var
Feature | let | var |
---|---|---|
Scope | Block scope | Function or global scope |
Redeclaration | Not allowed in the same scope | Allowed |
Hoisting Behavior | Not accessible before the declaration | Accessible with undefined |
Usage Recommendation | Preferred for modern JavaScript | Avoid if possible |
The let
keyword provides a safer, more predictable way to declare variables in JavaScript, thanks to its block scope and lack of hoisting. By understanding and using let
effectively, you can write cleaner and more maintainable code.