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Post: Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable: let
Lesson: Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable: let
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between
const
andlet
in JavaScript. - Learn how to declare a variable using
let
. - Understand when to use
let
versusconst
.
Lesson Content – Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable let
1. Constants (const
)
The const
keyword is used to declare variables whose values cannot be reassigned after their initial assignment.
Example:
Error: Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable let
const
ensures that the value remains constant throughout the program. It is generally used for values that should not change, such as configuration constants or fixed references.
2. Mutable Variables (let
)
The let
keyword is used to declare variables whose values can be reassigned.
Example:
Here, the variable meal
is declared using let
and can be updated with a new value later in the program.
3. When to Use const
vs let
- Use
const
when the value of a variable should not change.- Example: Fixed settings like
const PI = 3.14;
- Example: Fixed settings like
- Use
let
when the value of a variable is expected to change.- Example: Temporary or changing states like
let score = 0;
- Example: Temporary or changing states like
Code Examples – Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable let
Here are additional examples to reinforce the concepts:
Example 1: Using const
Example 2: Using let
Example 3: When to Use const
and let
Assignment
Write a program that does the following:
- Declare a variable using
const
to store your favorite fruit. - Attempt to reassign the
const
variable to a new fruit and observe the error in the console. - Declare a variable using
let
to store your favorite drink. - Reassign the
let
variable to a new drink and log both the old and new values to the console.
Answer Key
Here’s a possible solution for the assignment:
Key Takeaways – Introduction to JavaScript – Create a Variable let
- Use
const
when the value should remain constant. - Use
let
when the value needs to be reassigned.
Assignment Ideas: a. Modify the assignment to include examples of var
and explain why it’s less commonly used in modern JavaScript.
b. Create a quiz on const
and let
to test comprehension.