(UPI) Chapter 3: Fundamentals of JavaScript Programming
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In this chapter, we delve into foundational concepts of JavaScript that are essential for any programmer to master. We begin by exploring the nuances of Automatic Semicolon Insertion (ASI) and the role of reserved words in JavaScript, which are crucial for understanding how JavaScript interprets and executes code. Following this, we introduce the basics of variables in JavaScript, emphasizing their usage and practical examples that illustrate their importance in storing and manipulating data. We then move on to a comprehensive guide on JavaScript Regular Expressions (Regex), a powerful tool for pattern matching and text manipulation. The section concludes with an in-depth examination of JavaScript's primitive data types—Boolean, Undefined, Null, and Symbol—along with numeric data types such as Number and BigInt, which are fundamental to performing various operations in JavaScript.
Understanding Automatic Semicolon Insertion (ASI) and Reserved Words in JavaScript
JavaScript's ASI auto-inserts semicolons, but misuse can cause errors. Place return, throw, and yield on the same line as their expressions, and avoid breaking lines before (, [, or /. Reserved words like class, await, and return cannot be used as identifiers. Always use explicit semicolons and avoid predefined names like Math for clarity and reliability.
2 stepsBasics of Variables in JavaScript
Variables store dynamic inputs, enabling solutions for general problems (e.g., calculating a circle's circumference for any radius).
2 stepsComprehensive Guide to JavaScript Regular Expressions (Regex)
JavaScript regular expressions (regex) provide powerful tools for advanced string matching and manipulation, far beyond basic character comparisons. Encased in slashes /, regex patterns are commonly used with .match() and .replace() methods to search and modify strings efficiently.
2 stepsJavaScript Primitive Data Types
JavaScript offers essential primitive data types for core operations. Booleans represent true or false, with falsy values including 0, NaN, "", undefined, and null. The undefined type denotes variables that are declared but not initialized, while null signifies an intentional lack of value, though typeof mistakenly identifies it as an "object." Symbols act as unique identifiers, commonly used as object keys to ensure uniqueness. These fundamental data types underpin JavaScript's functionality.
2 stepsNumeric Data Types in JavaScript
JavaScript features Number for standard integers and floats, and BigInt for managing very large integers. Both types include robust methods for calculations, parsing, and comparisons, providing versatility in numeric operations.
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