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Operators

JavaScript relies on specialized operators to manipulate values, compare data, or manage truthiness.

1. Arithmetic Operators​

let x = 10;
x + 5; // 15
x - 2; // 8
x * 2; // 20
x / 2; // 5
x % 3; // 1 (Modulo: Remainder of division)
x ** 2; // 100 (Exponentiation)

2. Comparison Operators (== vs ===)​

  • == (Loose Equality): Checks value only. It actively coerces types to try and find a match.
  • === (Strict Equality): Checks value AND data type.

Always use === to avoid frustrating bugs!

5 == "5"  // true (The string "5" is coerced to a number)
5 === "5" // false (Number does not strictly equal String)

5 != "5"  // false
5 !== "5" // true

3. Logical Operators​

Used to combine multiple conditions.

  • && (AND): Evaluates to true only if BOTH sides are true.
  • || (OR): Evaluates to true if AT LEAST ONE side is true.
  • ! (NOT): Flips the boolean truthiness of a value.
const hasDegree = true;
const hasExperience = false;

if (hasDegree && hasExperience) {
    console.log("Hired!");
} else if (hasDegree || hasExperience) {
    console.log("Pending Review"); // We hit this block!
}

if (!hasExperience) {
    console.log("Entry level candidate");
}