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JavaScript

Posted by Jack Camp
Jack Camp
6,121 Points

Using 'var' over 'let'

I just learned what the let keyword is and am struggling to find any sort of difference between it and the standard 'var' keyword. Any clarification would be great :)

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,656 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,656 Points

The more modern and recommended term is "let", but I can think of three differences that might be reasons to use "var":

  • anything declared with "var" has function (or global) scope instead of block scope
  • a "var" declaration is hoisted
  • when used for globals, "var" creates a property on the global object

The need for these can be mitigated with thoughtful program design, but I still like to use "var" for globals to help make them more distinctive at first glance.