Different Between Let vs Const in JavaScript
Difference Between let
and const
in JavaScript
Both let
and const
are used to declare variables in JavaScript, but they have key differences in mutability and reassignment.
1. Mutability
Variables declared with let
can be reassigned, whereas variables declared with const
cannot be reassigned.
// Using let
let x = 10;
x = 20; // Allowed
// Using const
const y = 30;
y = 40; // Error: Assignment to constant variable
2. Re-declaration
let
allows reassignment but not re-declaration in the same scope, while const
does not allow reassignment at all.
// let allows reassignment
let a = 5;
a = 10; // Works
// const does not allow reassignment
const b = 15;
b = 20; // Error
3. Object & Array Mutation
const
does not allow variable reassignment, but objects and arrays declared with const
can be modified.
const obj = { name: "John" };
obj.name = "Doe"; // Allowed
const arr = [1, 2, 3];
arr.push(4); // Allowed
obj = {}; // Error: Assignment to constant variable
Conclusion
Use let
when you need to change the variable's value. Use const
when the variable should remain unchanged, but note that objects and arrays can still be modified.