coding-ninja

Ace Your JavaScript Interview: 60 Expert Questions and Answers

Get ready to conquer your JavaScript interview with our comprehensive collection of 60 JavaScript questions and expert answers. Our carefully curated insights from industry professionals will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to shine in your JavaScript interview. Don't miss out on the chance to access the finest resources for acing your JavaScript interview and propelling your career forward.

Contexts:

1. Basic JavaScript Concepts
2. Variables and Scope
3. Functions
4. Arrays
5. Objects
6. DOM (Document Object Model)
7. Async JavaScript
8. ES6 Features
9. Browser Storage
10. Security System
11. Performance Optimization
12. Browser Compatibility

Basic JavaScript Concepts

1. What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a high-level, versatile, and widely-used programming language primarily known for its ability to add interactivity and dynamic behavior to websites. It's often used for web development alongside HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
Here are some key points about JavaScript:
  • Client-Side Scripting: JavaScript is mainly used for client-side scripting, which means it runs in a user's web browser. This allows developers to create interactive and responsive web pages. For example, you can use JavaScript to validate forms, create animations, or update page content without needing to reload the entire page.
  • Cross-Platform: JavaScript is supported by all major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, making it a cross-platform language.
  • Syntax: JavaScript has a C-style syntax, which is relatively easy to learn if you're familiar with other programming languages like C++, Java, or C#. It uses variables, functions, loops, and conditional statements like if-else.
  • Dynamic Typing: JavaScript is dynamically typed, meaning you don't need to declare the data type of a variable explicitly. The type is determined at runtime.
  • Object-Oriented: JavaScript is often described as an object-oriented language because it allows you to create and manipulate objects. Everything in JavaScript is an object, which makes it highly flexible.
  • Extensive Standard Library: JavaScript has a standard library called the 'JavaScript Standard Library' or 'ECMAScript' that provides core functionality for working with data, interacting with the DOM (Document Object Model), handling events, and more.
  • Frameworks and Libraries: There are many JavaScript libraries and frameworks available, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js, which simplify the development of complex web applications. These libraries help manage state, handle routing, and create reusable UI components.
  • Server-Side Development: While JavaScript is primarily used for client-side scripting, it can also be used for server-side development. Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime, allows developers to build server-side applications using JavaScript.
JavaScript is an integral part of modern web development, and its versatility and ubiquity make it an essential skill for web developers. It continues to evolve with new features and updates, ensuring its relevance in the ever-changing landscape of web development.

2. Explain the difference between JavaScript and Java.

JavaScript and Java are two distinct programming languages with different purposes, syntax, and usage. Despite the similarity in their names, they are not directly related, and here are the key differences between them:
JavaScript:
  • JavaScript is primarily used for front-end web development. It's a client-side scripting language that runs in web browsers to add interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages. JavaScript can manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) and handle user interactions.
  • JavaScript has a C-style syntax and is often considered easier to learn for beginners due to its lightweight and flexible nature.
  • JavaScript is dynamically typed, meaning variable types are determined at runtime. You don't need to explicitly specify data types.
  • JavaScript primarily runs in web browsers, making it a client-side scripting language. It's also used in server-side development with technologies like Node.js.
  • JavaScript code is executed by a web browser's JavaScript engine.
  • Used for enhancing the functionality and interactivity of web pages. It's also used in web development frameworks and libraries.
  • Uses prototype-based inheritance, where objects can inherit properties and methods directly from other objects.
  • Has a standard library called the ECMAScript standard library that provides core functionality.
Java:
  • Java, on the other hand, is a general-purpose programming language originally designed for building standalone applications, including desktop, mobile, and server-side applications. Java applications typically run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
  • Java has a more verbose syntax compared to JavaScript. It requires explicit type declarations and uses a different set of keywords and conventions.
  • Java is statically typed, which means you must declare the data types of variables before using them.
  • Java is a cross-platform language designed to run on any platform that has a compatible JVM. It's used for a wide range of applications, including desktop applications (with JavaFX or Swing), mobile apps (Android), and server-side applications.
  • Java code is compiled into bytecode, which is then executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
  • Used in various domains, including web applications, Android app development, enterprise software, game development, and more.
  • Uses class-based inheritance, where classes define the blueprint for objects, and objects are instances of classes.
  • Has a comprehensive standard library known as the Java Standard Library (Java API) that covers a wide range of functions.
In summary, JavaScript and Java are distinct programming languages designed for different purposes. JavaScript is primarily used for front-end web development and is dynamically typed, whereas Java is a general-purpose language used in various domains and is statically typed. It's important not to confuse the two due to their similar names, as they have quite different characteristics and use cases.

3. What are the data types in JavaScript?

JavaScript has several data types that are used to represent different kinds of values. These data types can be broadly categorized into two main categories: primitive data types and reference data types.
Primitive data types are immutable, meaning their values cannot be changed after they are created. But, Reference data types are more complex and can hold multiple values. They are mutable, meaning their values can be changed.
Primitive Data Types:
  • Number: Represents both integers and floating-point numbers.
  • String: Represents textual data enclosed in single or double quotes.
  • Boolean: Represents true or false values.
  • Undefined: Represents a variable that has been declared but hasn't been assigned a value.
  • Null: Represents the intentional absence of any object or value.
  • Symbol: Introduced in ES6, used for creating unique identifiers.
  • BigInt: Introduced in ES11, used for working with large integers.
Example:
1
// Number
2
let age = 25;
3
let price = 9.99;
4
5
// String
6
let name = "Alice";
7
let greeting = 'Hello, World!';
8
9
// Boolean
10
let isTrue = true;
11
let isFalse = false;
12
13
// Undefined
14
let uninitializedVar;
15
16
// Null
17
let emptyValue = null;
18
19
// Symbol
20
const uniqueSymbol = Symbol('description');
21
22
// Big Int
23
const bigIntValue = 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890n;
Reference Data Types:
  • Object: Represents a collection of key-value pairs (properties) and can hold various data types. Objects can be created using curly braces {} or by using constructors like new Object().
Example:
1
let details = {name: 'Dane', age: '26'}

4. How do you declare a variable in JavaScript?

You can declare variables in JavaScript using the var, let, or const keywords. Here are examples of each:
  • Using var (Global or function scope):
  • Using let (Block scope, introduced in ES6):
  • Using const (Block scope, for constants):
Example:
1
var name = 'John'; // using var
2
let age = 30; // using let
3
const PI = 3.14; // using const

5. What is the purpose of the typeof operator?

The typeof operator is used to determine the data type of a value or expression in JavaScript. It returns a string indicating the type of the operand.
Example:
1
typeof 42; // "number"
2
typeof "Hello"; // "string"
3
typeof true; // "boolean"
4
typeof undefined; // "undefined"
5
typeof null; // "object" (Note: Null is a known language issue)
6
typeof {}; // "object"
7
typeof []; // "object"
8
typeof function() {// "function"
9
//...
10
};
It's important to note that typeof may not always provide fine-grained information about certain types, such as distinguishing between different objects or arrays.

6. What is NaN ?

NaN stands for 'Not-a-Number' and is a special value in JavaScript that represents an unrepresentable or undefined value in a numeric context. It typically occurs as a result of invalid mathematical operations, such as dividing zero by zero or trying to convert non-numeric strings to numbers.
To check if a value is NaN, you can use the isNaN() function. However, be aware that isNaN() can sometimes produce unexpected results because it coerces its argument to a number before performing the check. A more reliable way to check for NaN is to use the Number.isNaN() method introduced in ES6.
Example:
1
isNaN("Hello"); // true (coerces "Hello" to NaN)
2
Number.isNaN("Hello"); // false (doesn't coerce)
3
isNaN(42); // false
4
Number.isNaN(42); // false
5
isNaN(NaN); // true
6
Number.isNaN(NaN); // true

7. How do you comment in JavaScript?

JavaScript supports both single-line and multi-line comments.
  • Single-line comments: // All the text written after this in same line will be comment
  • Multi-line comments: /* All the text written between these two sign will be comment until it ends in any line */
Example:
1
// This is a single-line comment
2
3
/*
4
This is a
5
multi-line comment
6
*/

8. Explain the difference between null and undefined.

  • undefined: It represents a variable that has been declared but has not been assigned a value. In other words, it's the default value of variables that haven't been initialized. It can also be the value of a function parameter that was not provided with an argument. When you access a variable that has been declared but not assigned a value, or when you access an object property that doesn't exist, JavaScript returns undefined.
  • null: It represents the intentional absence of any object value or the lack of a value where an object is expected. It's often used by developers to indicate that a variable should have no value or that an object property is intentionally empty. Unlike undefined, null is a value that you can assign to a variable or object property.
Example:
1
let a;
2
let b = null;
3
4
console.log(a); // undefined
5
console.log(b); // null
In summary, undefined typically indicates that a variable has not been given a value, while null is used to represent the intentional absence of a value or to clear an object property. It's essential to understand the distinction between these two values when writing JavaScript code to ensure that your code behaves as expected and to avoid unexpected errors.

9. What is a closure in JavaScript?

A closure is a function in JavaScript that has access to its own scope, the outer (enclosing) function's scope, and the global scope. It 'closes over' variables from the outer function, preserving them even after the outer function has finished executing. Closures are often used to create private variables and encapsulate behavior.
Example:
1
function outerFunction() {
2
let outerVar = 10;
3
4
function innerFunction() {
5
console.log(outerVar); // innerFunction can access outerVar
6
}
7
8
return innerFunction;
9
}
10
11
const closure = outerFunction();
12
closure(); // Outputs: 10
In this example, innerFunction has access to outerVar even though outerFunction has already executed. This is because innerFunction forms a closure over the variables of its containing scope.

10. What is hoisting in JavaScript?

Hoisting is a JavaScript behavior where variable and function declarations are moved to the top of their containing scope during compilation. This means that you can use variables and functions before they are declared in the code.
However, it's important to note that only the declarations are hoisted, not the initializations. Variables declared with var are hoisted to the top of their function or global scope, while variables declared with let and const are hoisted as well but are not initialized until the actual declaration in the code.
Example:
1
console.log(x); // Outputs: undefined (hoisted)
2
var x = 10;
3
4
// This is equivalent to:
5
// var x;
6
// console.log(x);
7
// x = 10;
It's recommended to declare and initialize variables before using them to avoid unexpected behavior caused by hoisting.

Variables and Scope

11. What is the scope in JavaScript?

Scope in JavaScript refers to the context in which variables and functions are declared and accessed. It determines the visibility and lifetime of these identifiers. JavaScript has two main types of scope:
  • Global Scope: Variables declared in the global scope are accessible throughout the entire JavaScript program, including all functions and blocks.
  • Local (Function) Scope: Variables declared inside a function have local scope, meaning they are only accessible within that function.
In addition to these two basic scopes, ES6 introduced block scope with the let and const keywords, allowing variables to be scoped to individual code blocks (e.g., if statements or loops).

12. What is the difference between var, let, and const for variable declaration?

var:
  • Function-scoped: Variables declared with var are function-scoped, which means they are visible within the function where they are declared.
  • Hoisting: var declarations are hoisted to the top of their containing function or global scope.
  • Reassignment: You can reassign values to var variables.
let:
  • Block-scoped: Variables declared with let are block-scoped, meaning they are limited to the nearest enclosing block (e.g., an if statement or loop).
  • Hoisting: let declarations are hoisted to the top of their block but not initialized until the declaration.
  • Reassignment: You can reassign values to let variables.
const:
  • Block-scoped: Like let, const variables are also block-scoped.
  • Hoisting: const declarations are hoisted to the top of their block but not initialized until the declaration.
  • Immutability: const variables cannot be reassigned once they are assigned a value. However, their properties can be modified if they are objects.

13. What is block scope?

Block scope refers to the scope of a variable or identifier within a code block, such as an if statement, for loop, or function block. Variables declared with let and const are block-scoped, which means they are only accessible within the block where they are declared. This provides more fine-grained control over variable visibility and prevents unintended variable modifications outside of the block.
Example:
1
if (true) {
2
let blockScopedVar = "I'm in a block";
3
console.log(blockScopedVar); // Accessible here
4
}
5
6
console.log(blockScopedVar); // Error: blockScopedVar is not defined

14. How does variable hoisting work in JavaScript?

Variable hoisting in JavaScript is a behavior where variable and function declarations are moved to the top of their containing scope during compilation, without moving the actual assignments or initializations. This means you can use variables and functions in your code before they are formally declared.
Example:
1
console.log(x); // Outputs: undefined (hoisted)
2
var x = 10;
However, it's essential to understand that only the declarations are hoisted, not the initializations. This behavior can lead to unexpected results if not managed properly, which is why it's recommended to declare and initialize variables before using them to avoid ambiguity and potential bugs.

Functions

15. How do you define a function in JavaScript?

In JavaScript, you can define a function using the function keyword. There are two main ways to define a function: function declarations and function expressions.
Function declarations are named functions that are hoisted to the top of their containing scope, which means you can call them before they appear in the code. But, Function expressions define anonymous functions and assign them to variables or properties. They are not hoisted, so you can only call them after they've been defined in the code.
  • Function Declaration:
  • Function Expression:
Example:
1
// Function Declaration
2
function sayHello(name) {
3
console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`);
4
}
5
6
// Function Expression
7
const add = function(x, y) {
8
return x + y;
9
};
In ES6 and later, you can also use arrow functions for shorter function definitions.

16. What is a callback function?

A callback function, often referred to simply as a 'callback', is a function that is passed as an argument to another function and is intended to be executed at a later time. Callbacks are a fundamental concept in JavaScript and are used extensively in asynchronous programming to manage tasks that may take some time to complete, such as reading a file, making a network request, or handling user input.
Example:
1
function fetchData(url, callback) {
2
// Simulate an HTTP request
3
setTimeout(function() {
4
const data = { result: 'some data' };
5
callback(data);
6
}, 1000);
7
}
8
9
function processResult(data) {
10
console.log(data.result);
11
}
12
13
fetchData('https://example.com/api', processResult);
Callbacks are a powerful tool for managing asynchronous code, but they can lead to callback hell (a situation where callback functions are deeply nested), making the code hard to read and maintain. To address this issue, modern JavaScript development often employs techniques like Promises and async/await to handle asynchronous operations in a more organized and readable way.

17. What is callback hell ?

Callback hell, also known as 'Pyramid of Doom', is a term used to describe a situation in asynchronous JavaScript programming where multiple callback functions are nested within each other, creating deeply nested and hard-to-read code. This occurs when you have a series of asynchronous operations that depend on the results of previous operations. Callback hell can make your code difficult to understand, debug, and maintain.
Example:
1
asyncFunction1(function (result1) {
2
asyncFunction2(result1, function (result2) {
3
asyncFunction3(result2, function (result3) {
4
asyncFunction4(result3, function (result4) {
5
// More nested callbacks...
6
});
7
});
8
});
9
});
In this example, each callback function depends on the result of the previous one, and this nesting can continue for many levels. As you add more asynchronous operations or error handling, the code becomes increasingly complex and less readable.

18. What is the difference between function and arrow function syntax?

Function syntax and arrow function syntax in JavaScript differ in several ways, including their syntax, behavior, and how they handle the this keyword. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
  • In regular functions, the this keyword is dynamically scoped. It refers to the object that calls the function (the context in which the function is executed). The value of this can change depending on how a function is called. Arrow functions, on the other hand, have a lexically scoped this. They inherit the this value from their containing (surrounding) function or context. Arrow functions do not have their own this binding.
  • Regular functions have an arguments object, which is an array-like object containing all the arguments passed to the function. Arrow functions do not have their own arguments object.
  • Arrow functions cannot be used as constructors with the new keyword. Regular functions can be used to create objects using the new keyword.
Example:
1
// Normal Function Declaration
2
const add = function(x, y) {
3
return x + y;
4
};
5
6
// Allow Function Syntax
7
const add = (x, y) => x + y;
In summary, the choice between regular functions and arrow functions depends on your specific use case and whether you need dynamic this binding or want a more concise syntax.

19. What is the this keyword in JavaScript?

The 'this' keyword in JavaScript refers to the current execution context or the object that the function is operating on. Its value can change depending on how and where a function is called:
  • In a global context, this refers to the global object (e.g., window in a browser).
  • In a method, this refers to the object the method is called on.
  • In an event handler, this often refers to the DOM element that triggered the event.
  • Inside an arrow function, this is lexically scoped and inherits its value from the surrounding context.

20. What is the purpose of the bind method?

The bind() method in JavaScript is used to create a new function that, when called, has its this value set to a specific object, and any specified arguments are also bound to the function. It is commonly used for defining functions with a fixed this context, which is particularly useful in event handling and callbacks.
Example:
1
const person = {
2
name: 'Alice',
3
greet: function() {
4
console.log(`Hello, ${this.name}!`);
5
},
6
};
7
8
const greetAlice = person.greet.bind(person);
9
greetAlice(); // Outputs: Hello, Alice!

21. What is a higher-order function?

A higher-order function is a concept in functional programming where a function can take one or more functions as arguments and/or return a function as its result. In other words, a higher-order function treats functions as first-class citizens, allowing them to be used just like any other data type, such as numbers, strings, or objects.
Example:
1
function applyOperation(x, y, operation) {
2
return operation(x, y);
3
}
4
5
function add(x, y) {
6
return x + y;
7
}
8
9
const result = applyOperation(5, 3, add); // Calls add(5, 3)
Higher-order functions are a fundamental concept in functional programming, and they enable powerful and flexible programming techniques. They are commonly used for tasks such as mapping, filtering, reducing, composing functions, and handling asynchronous operations with callbacks or promises. By abstracting and encapsulating functionality into reusable functions, higher-order functions can make code more modular and easier to understand.

22. What is a pure function?

A pure function is a function that, given the same input, will always produce the same output and has no observable side effects. In other words, it does not modify any external state or variables and does not perform I/O operations.
Pure functions are predictable, easy to test, and facilitate reasoning about code. They are a key concept in functional programming and can help in writing more maintainable and bug-free code.

Arrays

23. How do you create an array in JavaScript?

You can create an array in JavaScript by using square brackets [] and optionally initializing it with values.
Example:
1
const emptyArray = []; // Empty array
2
const colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue']; // Values initialized

24. Explain the difference between push and pop methods.

  • push(): The push() method is used to add one or more elements to the end of an array. It modifies the original array and returns the new length of the array.
Example:
1
const fruits = ['apple', 'banana'];
2
const newLength = fruits.push('orange');
3
// fruits now contains ['apple', 'banana', 'orange']
4
// newLength is 3
  • pop(): The pop() method removes and returns the last element from an array. It modifies the original array.
Example:
1
const fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'orange'];
2
const lastFruit = fruits.pop(); // lastFruit is 'orange'
3
// fruits now contains ['apple', 'banana']

25. What is the splice method used for?

The splice() method in JavaScript is used to change the contents of an array by removing, replacing, or adding elements at a specified index. It can also be used to extract a portion of an array.
The basic syntax is:
Example:
1
array.splice(start, deleteCount, item1, item2, ...);
  • start: The index at which to start changing the array.
  • deleteCount: The number of elements to remove from the array.
  • item1, item2, ...: Elements to add to the array at the start index.
Example:
1
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
numbers.splice(2, 2, 6, 7); // Removes 3 and 4, adds 6 and 7
3
// numbers now contains [1, 2, 6, 7, 5]

26. How do you iterate over an array in JavaScript?

You can iterate over an array in JavaScript using various methods and loops. Here are some common ways to iterate over an array:
  • For Loop: You can use a traditional for loop to iterate over the elements of an array by index.
Example:
1
const colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue'];
2
for (let i = 0; i < colors.length; i++) {
3
console.log(colors[i]);
4
}
  • ForEach Method: Arrays in JavaScript have a built-in forEach method that allows you to apply a function to each element of the array.
Example:
1
colors.forEach(function(color) {
2
console.log(color);
3
});
  • For...of Loop (ES6): The for...of loop is a more concise way to iterate over the values of an array.
Example:
1
for (const color of colors) {
2
console.log(color);
3
}
  • Map Method (ES6): The map method is used when you want to create a new array by applying a function to each element of the original array.
Example:
1
const uppercaseColors = colors.map(function(color) {
2
return color.toUpperCase();
3
});
  • Filter Method: The filter method is used to create a new array containing only the elements that satisfy a specific condition.
Example:
1
const array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
3
const evenNumbers = array.filter(function (element) {
4
return element % 2 === 0;
5
});
6
7
console.log(evenNumbers);
  • Reduce Method: The reduce method is used to accumulate values in an array and produce a single result.
Example:
1
const array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
3
const sum = array.reduce(function (accumulator, currentValue) {
4
return accumulator + currentValue;
5
}, 0);
6
7
console.log(sum);
Each of these methods and loops has its use cases, so choose the one that best fits your specific needs when iterating over arrays in JavaScript.

27. What are array methods like map, filter, and reduce used for?

  • map(): The map() method creates a new array by applying a function to each element of an existing array. It is used for transforming array elements based on a given operation.
Example:
1
const numbers = [1, 2, 3];
2
const doubled = numbers.map(function(number) {
3
return number * 2;
4
});
5
// doubled is [2, 4, 6]
  • filter(): The filter() method creates a new array containing all elements that pass a given test implemented by a provided function. It is used for selecting elements from an array based on a condition.
Example:
1
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
const evenNumbers = numbers.filter(function(number) {
3
return number % 2 === 0;
4
});
5
// evenNumbers is [2, 4]
  • reduce(): The reduce() method applies a function to reduce an array to a single value. It is used for aggregating or summarizing array elements.
Example:
1
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
const sum = numbers.reduce(function(accumulator, currentValue) {
3
return accumulator + currentValue;
4
}, 0); // Initial value of accumulator is 0
5
// sum is 15

28. Explain the difference between slice and splice.

  • slice(): The slice() method creates a new array containing a copy of elements from the original array based on specified start and end indices. It does not modify the original array.
Example:
1
const fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'];
2
const slicedFruits = fruits.slice(1, 2); // Returns a new array with ['banana']
3
// fruits remains ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
  • splice(): The splice() method changes the contents of an array by removing, replacing, or adding elements at a specified index. It modifies the original array.
Example:
1
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
2
numbers.splice(2, 2, 6, 7); // Removes 3 and 4, adds 6 and 7
3
// numbers now contains [1, 2, 6, 7, 5]

Objects

29. How do you create an object in JavaScript?

You can create an object in JavaScript using object literals or by using constructor functions and classes (ES6).
  • Object Literal:
Example:
1
const person = {
2
firstName: 'John',
3
lastName: 'Doe',
4
age: 30,
5
};
  • Constructor Function (ES5):
Example:
1
function Person(firstName, lastName, age) {
2
this.firstName = firstName;
3
this.lastName = lastName;
4
this.age = age;
5
}
6
const person = new Person('John', 'Doe', 30);
  • Class (ES6):
Example:
1
class Person {
2
constructor(firstName, lastName, age) {
3
this.firstName = firstName;
4
this.lastName = lastName;
5
this.age = age;
6
}
7
}
8
const person = new Person('John', 'Doe', 30);

30. What is object destructuring?

Object destructuring is a feature in JavaScript that allows you to extract values from objects and assign them to variables with the same property names. It provides a concise way to work with object properties.
Example:
1
const person = {
2
firstName: 'John',
3
lastName: 'Doe',
4
age: 30,
5
};
6
7
const { firstName, lastName, age } = person;// Destructuring the object values
8
9
console.log(firstName); // 'John'
10
console.log(lastName); // 'Doe'
11
console.log(age); // 30

31. How can you add a new property to an existing object?

You can add a new property to an existing object by simply assigning a value to a new or existing property name.
Example:
1
const person = {
2
firstName: 'John',
3
lastName: 'Doe',
4
};
5
6
person.age = 30; // Adding a new property
7
person.email = 'john@example.com'; // Adding another new property

32. What is the difference between == and === for object comparison?

  • == (Equality Operator): Checks if two objects are equal in value after type coercion. It converts operands to the same type if they are of different types. It may not consider the objects equal if they have different references, even if their content is the same.
  • === (Strict Equality Operator): Checks if two objects are equal in both value and type. It does not perform type coercion and only considers objects equal if they reference the exact same object in memory.
Example:
1
const obj1 = { name: 'John' };
2
const obj2 = { name: 'John' };
3
4
console.log(obj1 == obj2); // false (different memory references)
5
console.log(obj1 === obj2); // false (different memory references)

33. Explain the concept of prototypal inheritance in JavaScript.

Prototypal inheritance is a key concept in JavaScript where objects can inherit properties and methods from other objects. Every object in JavaScript has a prototype chain, which is a link to another object, called its prototype. When you access a property or method on an object, JavaScript searches the prototype chain to find it if it doesn't exist directly on the object.
Example:
1
// Creating a prototype object
2
const personPrototype = {
3
greet: function() {
4
console.log(`Hello, ${this.name}!`);
5
},
6
};
7
8
// Creating an object that inherits from the prototype
9
const person = Object.create(personPrototype);
10
person.name = 'John';
11
12
// Accessing the inherited method
13
person.greet(); // Outputs: Hello, John!
In this example, person inherits the greet method from personPrototype through the prototype chain. This allows for code reusability and a form of object-oriented inheritance in JavaScript.

DOM (Document Object Model)

34. What is the DOM?

The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface for web documents. It represents the structured content of a web page, such as HTML and XML documents, as a tree-like structure of objects that can be accessed and manipulated with JavaScript. The DOM provides a way to interact with and modify web page content dynamically, allowing you to update, add, or remove elements and respond to user interactions.

35. How do you access elements in the DOM using JavaScript?

You can access elements in the Document Object Model (DOM) using JavaScript through various methods and properties provided by the DOM API. Here are some common ways to access DOM elements:
  • getElementById: You can select an element by its unique id attribute using getElementById.
Example:
1
const element = document.getElementById('elementId');
  • querySelector: It allows you to select elements using CSS-like selectors. It returns the first matching element.
Example:
1
const element = document.querySelector('.className');
  • querySelectorAll (for selecting multiple elements): It selects all elements that match a CSS selector and returns them as a NodeList (similar to an array).
Example:
1
const elements = document.querySelectorAll('.className');
  • getElementsByClassName: It selects all elements with a specific class name and returns them as a HTMLCollection.
Example:
1
const elements = document.getElementsByClassName('className');
  • getElementsByTagName: It selects all elements with a specific HTML tag name and returns them as a HTMLCollection (similar to an array).
Example:
1
const elements = document.getElementsByTagName('tagname');

36. What is an event in the DOM?

An event in the DOM is an occurrence, such as a user action (e.g., clicking a button, typing in an input field), that can be detected and responded to by JavaScript. Events are used to trigger specific functions or behaviors when something happens on a web page. Examples of events include 'click', 'mouseover', 'keydown', and many more.

37. Explain event propagation.

Event propagation in the DOM refers to the order in which events are handled when an event occurs on an element that is nested within another element. There are two phases of event propagation:
  • Bubbling Phase: In the bubbling phase, the event starts from the target element that triggered it and then bubbles up through its ancestor elements in the DOM hierarchy, from the innermost to the outermost. This is the default behavior for most events.
  • Capturing Phase: In the capturing phase (less common), the event travels down from the outermost ancestor to the target element.
Event propagation allows you to handle events at different levels in the DOM hierarchy by capturing or bubbling phases. You can use event listeners with the useCapture parameter to specify the phase in which you want to handle an event.

38. How do you add an event listener to an element?

You can add an event listener to an element using the addEventListener method. This method takes two arguments: the type of event you want to listen for (e.g., 'click', 'keydown') and the function that should be executed when the event occurs.
Example:
1
const button = document.getElementById('myButton');
2
3
button.addEventListener('click', function(event) {
4
// Your event handling code here
5
});

39. What is event delegation?

Event delegation is a technique in which you attach a single event listener to a common ancestor of multiple elements rather than attaching individual event listeners to each element. When an event occurs on one of the descendant elements, it bubbles up to the common ancestor, and you can determine which specific element triggered the event within the event handler. This approach is useful for improving performance and managing dynamic content.

40. What is the difference between the window and document objects?

  • window object: The window object represents the browser window or the global context in a web page. It provides properties and methods for controlling the browser, including global functions, managing timers, handling cookies, and accessing the document object.
  • document object: The document object represents the current HTML document displayed in the browser window. It provides properties and methods for manipulating the content and structure of the document, including accessing and modifying elements, handling events, and navigating the DOM tree.
In summary, the window object represents the browser environment, while the document object represents the content and structure of the current web page.

Async JavaScript

41. What is asynchronous programming in JavaScript?

Asynchronous programming in JavaScript is a programming paradigm that allows you to execute code concurrently, without blocking the main execution thread. It is commonly used for tasks that may take time to complete, such as fetching data from a server, reading files, or waiting for user input. Asynchronous programming helps prevent applications from becoming unresponsive while waiting for these tasks to finish.

42. Explain the callback pattern for handling asynchronous operations.

The callback pattern is a traditional way of handling asynchronous operations in JavaScript. It involves passing a function (callback) as an argument to an asynchronous function. When the asynchronous operation completes, it invokes the callback function to signal that the operation has finished, and any necessary processing can be done.
Example:
1
function fetchData(callback) {
2
// Simulate an asynchronous operation
3
setTimeout(function() {
4
const data = 'This is the fetched data';
5
callback(data);
6
}, 1000);
7
}
8
9
fetchData(function(data) {
10
console.log(data);
11
});

43. What are Promises in JavaScript?

Promises are a modern way to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript. They provide a more structured and readable way to work with asynchronous code. A Promise represents a value that may not be available yet but will be resolved at some point, either with a successful result (resolved) or an error (rejected).
Example:
1
const fetchData = new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
2
// Simulate an asynchronous operation
3
setTimeout(function() {
4
const data = 'This is the fetched data';
5
resolve(data); // Success
6
}, 1000);
7
});
8
9
fetchData.then(function(data) {
10
console.log(data);
11
});

44. How do you handle errors in Promises?

You can handle errors in Promises using the .catch() method or by providing a second function to the .then() method to handle rejections.
  • .catch(): When a Promise is rejected (an error occurs), you can use the .catch() method to specify how to handle the error. This method takes a callback function that will be executed when an error is encountered.
  • .then(): While it's common to use .catch() for error handling in Promises, you can also use .then() to handle both successful and error cases. In this approach, you check if the result is an error and handle it accordingly.
Example:
1
fetchData
2
.then(function(data) {
3
console.log(data);
4
})
5
.catch(function(error) {
6
console.error(error);
7
});
In this example, somePromiseFunction is expected to resolve with an object that may contain an error property. If the error property exists, you throw an error to trigger the .catch() block.

45. What is async/await and how does it simplify asynchronous code?

async/await is a modern JavaScript feature that simplifies working with Promises and asynchronous code. It allows you to write asynchronous code in a more synchronous style, making it easier to read and maintain. The async keyword is used to define asynchronous functions, and await is used within those functions to wait for a Promise to resolve.
Example:
1
async function fetchData() {
2
try {
3
const data = await fetchDataFromServer();
4
console.log(data);
5
} catch (error) {
6
console.error(error);
7
}
8
}

46. Explain the difference between setTimeout and setInterval.

  • setTimeout: The setTimeout function is used to execute a specified function or code block after a specified delay (in milliseconds). It runs the code once.
Example:
1
setTimeout(function() {
2
console.log('This will run after a delay.');
3
}, 1000); // Executes after 1 second
  • setInterval: The setInterval function is used to repeatedly execute a specified function or code block at a specified interval (in milliseconds). It continues to run the code at the specified interval until explicitly cleared with clearInterval.
Example:
1
const intervalId = setInterval(function() {
2
console.log('This will run repeatedly at an interval.');
3
}, 2000); // Executes every 2 seconds
4
5
// To stop the interval after some time
6
setTimeout(function() {
7
clearInterval(intervalId);
8
}, 10000); // Stops after 10 seconds
In summary, setTimeout executes code once after a delay, while setInterval repeatedly executes code at specified intervals until stopped.

ES6 Features

47. What are template literals?

Template literals, also known as template strings, are a feature in JavaScript that allows you to create multi-line strings and embed expressions (variables or expressions enclosed in ${}) within them. They are defined using backticks (`) instead of single or double quotes.
Example:
1
const name = 'Alice';
2
const greeting = `Hello, ${name}!
3
How are you today?`;

48. What are default parameters in functions?

Default parameters in functions allow you to specify default values for function parameters in case no argument or an undefined argument is passed when calling the function. Default parameter values are assigned using the = operator in the function's parameter list.
Example:
1
function greet(name = 'Guest') {
2
console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`);
3
}
4
5
greet(); // Outputs: Hello, Guest!
6
greet('Alice'); // Outputs: Hello, Alice!

49. What are arrow functions and when are they useful?

Arrow functions are a concise way to define functions in JavaScript, introduced in ES6. They are useful for writing shorter and more readable code, especially when working with functions that have simple, one-line expressions. Arrow functions have a simpler syntax and automatically bind the this value to the surrounding lexical context, which can be useful in certain situations.
Example:
1
const add = (x, y) => x + y;
Arrow functions are especially beneficial when working with array methods, like map, filter, and reduce, or when defining inline callback functions. However, they should not be used for defining methods within objects that require their own this context.

50. What is the spread/rest operator and how is it used?

The spread (...) and rest (...) operators are both introduced in ES6 (ECMAScript 2015) and are used to work with arrays and objects in JavaScript.
  • Spread Operator (...): It is used to spread the elements of an array or the properties of an object into another array or object. It allows you to make copies or combine arrays/objects easily.
Example:
1
// For Arrays:
2
const array1 = [1, 2, 3];
3
const array2 = [4, 5, ...array1]; // Combining arrays
4
// array2 is now [4, 5, 1, 2, 3]
5
6
// Copying an array
7
const copyOfArray1 = [...array1];
8
9
// For Objects (shallow copy):
10
const obj1 = { name: "Alice", age: 30 };
11
const obj2 = { ...obj1, city: "New York" }; // Combining objects
12
// obj2 is now { name: "Alice", age: 30, city: "New York" }
  • Rest Operator (...): It is used to collect multiple values into a single array or object. It's often used in function parameters to collect arguments into an array.
Example:
1
function sum(...numbers) {
2
return numbers.reduce((total, num) => total + num, 0);
3
}
4
const result = sum(1, 2, 3, 4); // Result is 10

Browser Storage

51. Explain the differences between localStorage and sessionStorage.

localStorage and sessionStorage are two web storage options available in modern web browsers that allow web applications to store data on the client-side, persisting across browser sessions.
In summary, localStorage is designed for long-term data storage that persists across browser sessions and is accessible across tabs/windows of the same domain, while sessionStorage is intended for short-term data storage that is limited to the current session and isolated to the tab/window where it's created. The choice between them depends on your specific use case and data retention requirements.
Example:
1
// Storing data in localStorage
2
localStorage.setItem("username", "Alice");
3
4
// Retrieving data from localStorage
5
const username = localStorage.getItem("username");
6
console.log(username); // "Alice"
7
8
// Storing data in sessionStorage
9
sessionStorage.setItem("token", "abcd1234");
10
11
// Retrieving data from sessionStorage
12
const token = sessionStorage.getItem("token");
13
console.log(token); // "abcd1234"

52. How do you use cookies in JavaScript, and what are their limitations?

Cookies are small pieces of data stored in the client's browser and sent with every HTTP request to a specific domain. They can be used for various purposes, such as storing user preferences, authentication tokens, and tracking user behavior.
Example:
1
document.cookie = "username=Alice; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 UTC; path=/";

Security System

53. What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and how can it be prevented in JavaScript?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into web applications, which are then executed by unsuspecting users. This can happen when user input is not properly sanitized or escaped, allowing the attacker to inject scripts that steal sensitive data, session cookies, or perform other malicious actions.
To prevent XSS in JavaScript, follow these practices:
  • Always sanitize and validate user input.
  • Use libraries like DOMPurify to sanitize HTML content.
  • Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script sources.
  • Escape user-generated data before rendering it in the HTML.

54. What is Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and how can it be prevented?

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack where a malicious website tricks a user's browser into making unwanted requests to a different site where the user is authenticated.
To prevent CSRF:
  • Use anti-CSRF tokens in forms.
  • Verify the Referer header or Origin header on the server.
  • Implement Same-Site cookies to prevent cross-origin requests.

55. How do you securely store sensitive data in JavaScript?

Securely storing sensitive data in JavaScript involves several best practices:
  • Avoid storing sensitive data in client-side JavaScript when possible.
  • Use encryption (e.g., AES) for sensitive data in transit.
  • Store sensitive data securely on the server.
  • Hash sensitive passwords with a strong algorithm (e.g., bcrypt) before storage.

Performance Optimization

56. What are some techniques for optimizing JavaScript code for performance?

Techniques for optimizing JavaScript code for performance include:
  • Minifying and compressing code.
  • Reducing the number of HTTP requests.
  • Using efficient data structures and algorithms.
  • Avoiding synchronous operations and using asynchronous programming.
  • Caching data where applicable.
  • Implementing lazy loading for resources.

57. Explain the concept of lazy loading for improving website performance.

Lazy loading is a technique for improving website performance by deferring the loading of non-essential resources until they are needed. This can be applied to images, scripts, and other assets. It reduces the initial page load time, improving user experience. Lazy loading is often achieved using the loading='lazy' attribute for images and by dynamically loading scripts when they are required.

58. How do you profile and analyze the performance of a JavaScript application?

Profiling and analyzing the performance of a JavaScript application involves:
  • Using browser developer tools to measure CPU and memory usage.
  • Identifying bottlenecks and optimizing critical code paths.
  • Monitoring network requests and optimizing data transfer.
  • Utilizing performance monitoring tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest.

Browser Compatibility

59. What are browser developer tools, and how can they help in debugging?

Browser developer tools are built-in tools in web browsers that help developers debug and optimize web applications. They provide features like inspecting HTML/CSS, debugging JavaScript code, monitoring network requests, and profiling performance. These tools assist in identifying and resolving issues in web applications, making development more efficient.

60. How do you handle browser-specific issues in JavaScript code?

Handling browser-specific issues in JavaScript can be done using feature detection and graceful degradation:
  • Feature detection checks if a specific feature or API is available before using it.
  • Use conditional statements to handle different browser capabilities.
  • Employ polyfills to provide missing functionality in older browsers.
  • Stay updated with browser compatibility tables and best practices to address known issues.

© 2023 | www.coding-ninja.com | All rights reserved