Variables Let, Const

Hi Dennis!

It's a good idea to post your complete code when posting a question, this helps us to make sure that we're able to fully resolve your issue. However, I believe I can still help via context clues.

The reason that const wouldn't work in this situation is because it's a constant variable. This means that it can't be reassigned or redeclared. Think of it like the value of your birthday, it's never going to change because it's a fixed piece of information.

let will work because it's a re-assignable variable. In our birthday analogy, this would be your age. It's a piece of information that shouldn't be locked in because it will be changing.

When used properly the syntax of these two variables would look like this:

const birthday = "January 1, 2000";
let age = 0;

// my age in 2005 
age = 5;

//my age in 2017
age = 17;

See how we only declare the birthday variable once, but are able to reassign the age variable? That's the difference between let and 'const'.

There is also a third type of variable, var which is very similar to let but instead deals with the scope of the variable. Here's a comparison of the three ways to define a variable in JavaScript.

You also mentioned Treehouse videos about defining variables. Here are some of the available resources:

• JavaScript Basics Course
  • The "Storing and Tracking Information with Variables" section is 9 steps and is very informative on this topic.
• Introducing JavaScript Course
  • Takes you through JavaScript fundamentals while creating a game.

• JavaScript Quickstart Course

  • A jumpstart look into the fundamentals of JavaScript.

• Defining Variables with 'let' and 'const' Workshop

  • Once you feel more confident with JS variables, here is a workshop you can use to reinforce the information.

Happy coding!