JavaScript Cheat Sheet

JavaScript Cheat Sheet

JavaScript Basics

JavaScript creates dynamic online experiences. Let's examine some essential concepts.

Variables store data, declared using var, let, or const:


var a;
let b = 10;
const c = 20;

Numbers offer whole numbers and decimals. Mathematical operations use operators like +, -, *, and /.

Strings hold character sequences:


let shortMessage = 'Hello there';
let longMessage = "Hi, how are you?";

If-else statements control code flow:


if (condition) {
// Code executes if condition is true
} else {
// Code executes if condition is false
}

Arrays organize related values:


let colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue'];

Functions are reusable code blocks:


function greet() {
console.log('Hello World');
}
greet(); // Call the function

Operators like == and === compare values.

Loops execute code repeatedly:


for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
console.log(i);
}


let i = 0;
while (i < 5) {
console.log(i);
i++;
}

Single-line comments use //, while multi-line comments are wrapped in /* comment */.

JavaScript Functions

Functions are reusable code blocks. The syntax for a standard function is:


function add(a, b) {
return a + b;
}

Function expressions assign functions to variables:


const subtract = function(a, b) {
return a - b;
};

Arrow functions offer a concise syntax:


const multiply = (a, b) => a * b;

JavaScript's first-class functions allow them to be treated like any other variable: passed as arguments, returned from other functions, or stored in data structures.

These function types—standard, expression, and arrow—are tools in your coding toolkit. Choose based on your needs to craft efficient code.

DOM Manipulation

DOM manipulation with JavaScript allows dynamic content updates. The Document Object Model is your web page's blueprint, consisting of nodes ready for modification.

JavaScript provides methods for DOM manipulation:


let heading = document.querySelector('h1');
let buttons = document.querySelectorAll('.btn');

heading.innerHTML = 'Welcome to the Jungle!';

let image = document.querySelector('img');
image.setAttribute('src', 'new-image.jpg');

heading.classList.add('highlight');

let newParagraph = document.createElement('p');
newParagraph.textContent = 'JavaScript is fun!';
document.body.appendChild(newParagraph);

buttons.forEach(button => {
button.addEventListener('click', () => {
console.log('Button clicked!');
});
});

These tools allow you to create engaging, dynamic experiences.

Control Flow: Loops and Conditionals

Control flow guides code execution based on certain conditions.

If-else statements are used for decision-making:


if (weather === 'rainy') {
console.log("Don't forget your umbrella!");
} else {
console.log("Sunglasses it is!");
}

The switch statement matches values against multiple cases:


let fruit = 'banana';
switch (fruit) {
case 'apple':
console.log('Apples are red or green.');
break;
case 'banana':
console.log('Bananas are yellow.');
break;
case 'orange':
console.log('Oranges are orange!');
break;
default:
console.log('Fruit color unknown.');
}

Loops execute code repeatedly:


for (let i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
console.log(`Iteration ${i}`);
}

let count = 0;
while (count < 3) {
console.log(`Count is ${count}`);
count++;
}

let number = 0;
do {
console.log(`Number is ${number}`);
number++;
} while (number < 3);

Mastering these control flow techniques allows you to orchestrate code effectively.

Error Handling in JavaScript

Error handling ensures scripts remain stable when unexpected issues arise.

The try-catch block handles potential errors:


try {
let result = someFunctionThatMightFail();
console.log(result);
} catch (error) {
console.error("An error occurred:", error.message);
}

The finally block always executes after a try-catch:


try {
// Code that might throw an error
} catch (error) {
// Handling the error
} finally {
console.log("This will always run.");
}

Custom errors can be created using the throw statement:


function checkAge(age) {
if (age < 18) {
throw new Error("You must be at least 18 years old.");
} else {
console.log("Access granted.");
}
}

This system of try-catch-finally helps maintain stable code and build informative applications.

A visual representation of JavaScript error handling techniques, including try-catch blocks, finally statements, and custom error creation

As you progress with JavaScript, focus on understanding its core principles. Each aspect is important for building efficient and dynamic applications. Continue experimenting and improving your skills.

Writio: The ultimate AI writer for website publishers. This article was written by Writio.

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  5. Mozilla Developer Network. JavaScript. MDN Web Docs. 2021.