Using Operators in JavaScript (Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical)

Introduction

Operators are symbols or keywords that perform operations on variables and values. They are essential for manipulating data and creating expressions in JavaScript. This article explores the different types of operators in JavaScript, including arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators, providing detailed explanations and examples for each type.

Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform mathematical operations on numbers. Here are the basic arithmetic operators in JavaScript:

Addition (+)

Adds two numbers together. For example:

let sum = 5 + 3;
console.log(sum); // Output: 8

Subtraction (-)

Subtracts one number from another. For example:

let difference = 10 - 4;
console.log(difference); // Output: 6

Multiplication (*)

Multiplies two numbers together. For example:

let product = 7 * 3;
console.log(product); // Output: 21

Division (/)

Divides one number by another. For example:

let quotient = 12 / 4;
console.log(quotient); // Output: 3

Modulus (%)

Returns the remainder of a division. For example:

let remainder = 10 % 3;
console.log(remainder); // Output: 1

Exponentiation (**)

Raises a number to the power of another number. For example:

let power = 2 ** 3;
console.log(power); // Output: 8

Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are used to compare two values and return a boolean value (true or false). Here are the basic comparison operators in JavaScript:

Equal to (==)

Checks if two values are equal. For example:

let isEqual = 5 == 5;
console.log(isEqual); // Output: true

Not equal to (!=)

Checks if two values are not equal. For example:

let isNotEqual = 5 != 3;
console.log(isNotEqual); // Output: true

Strict equal to (===)

Checks if two values are equal and of the same type. For example:

let isStrictEqual = 5 === 5;
console.log(isStrictEqual); // Output: true

Strict not equal to (!==)

Checks if two values are not equal or not of the same type. For example:

let isStrictNotEqual = 5 !== '5';
console.log(isStrictNotEqual); // Output: true

Greater than (>)

Checks if one value is greater than another. For example:

let isGreater = 10 > 5;
console.log(isGreater); // Output: true

Less than (<)

Checks if one value is less than another. For example:

let isLess = 5 < 10;
console.log(isLess); // Output: true

Greater than or equal to (>=)

Checks if one value is greater than or equal to another. For example:

let isGreaterOrEqual = 10 >= 10;
console.log(isGreaterOrEqual); // Output: true

Less than or equal to (<=)

Checks if one value is less than or equal to another. For example:

let isLessOrEqual = 5 <= 5;
console.log(isLessOrEqual); // Output: true

Logical Operators

Logical operators are used to combine multiple boolean expressions and return a boolean result. Here are the basic logical operators in JavaScript:

Logical AND (&&)

Returns true if both expressions are true. For example:

let isAdult = true;
let hasPermission = true;
let canEnter = isAdult && hasPermission;
console.log(canEnter); // Output: true

Logical OR (||)

Returns true if at least one expression is true. For example:

let isWeekend = true;
let isHoliday = false;
let canRelax = isWeekend || isHoliday;
console.log(canRelax); // Output: true

Logical NOT (!)

Returns true if the expression is false, and false if the expression is true. For example:

let isOpen = true;
let isClosed = !isOpen;
console.log(isClosed); // Output: false

Fun Facts and Little-Known Insights

Fun Fact: In JavaScript, the addition operator (+) can also be used to concatenate strings. For example: 'Hello' + ' ' + 'World!' results in 'Hello World!'.
Insight: The strict equality operator (===) is often recommended over the loose equality operator (==) to avoid unexpected type coercion.
Secret: JavaScript's logical operators can short-circuit, meaning they stop evaluating as soon as the result is determined. For example, in an AND operation, if the first operand is false, the second operand is not evaluated.

Conclusion

Operators are fundamental tools in JavaScript that allow you to perform various operations on data. Understanding arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators is essential for writing effective and efficient code. By mastering these operators, you can create complex expressions and control the flow of your programs with ease.

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