JavaScript ES6 Top 20 interview questions and answers

1. What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language primarily used for
developing web applications. It enables dynamic and interactive content on web pages,
making them more engaging and user-friendly.

2. What are the different data types in JavaScript?

JavaScript has several built-in data types, including:
● String: represents textual data
● Number: represents numeric values
● Boolean: represents true or false values
● Object: represents a collection of key-value pairs
● Array: represents an ordered list of values
● Null: represents the intentional absence of any object value
● Undefined: represents an uninitialized variable

3. What is the difference between 'null' and 'undefined' in JavaScript?

Both 'null' and 'undefined' represent the absence of value, but they are used in different
contexts. 'null' is an assigned value that indicates the absence of an object, while
'undefined' typically means that a variable has been declared but has not been assigned
a value.

4. What is the difference between '=='' and '===' operators in JavaScript?

The '==' operator checks for equality after performing type coercion, which means it can
convert the operands to a common type before comparison. The '===' operator, also
known as the strict equality operator, compares the operands without performing type
coercion, ensuring both the value and the type match.

5. What is hoisting in JavaScript?

Hoisting is a JavaScript behavior where variable and function declarations are moved to
the top of their respective scopes during the compilation phase. This allows you to use
variables and functions before they are declared in your code.
6. What are callbacks in JavaScript?
Callbacks are functions that are passed as arguments to other functions and are
executed after a specific task is completed. They are commonly used in asynchronous
programming, where a function can continue executing while waiting for an operation to
finish. Callbacks help manage asynchronous behavior and handle the result or error of
an asynchronous operation.

7. Explain the concept of prototypal inheritance in JavaScript.

Prototypal inheritance is a mechanism in JavaScript where objects can inherit properties
and methods from other objects. Each object has an internal link to another object called
its prototype. If a property or method is not found in the current object, JavaScript looks
for it in the prototype chain until it reaches the top-level object, usually the built-in
Object.prototype.

8. What are promises in JavaScript

Promises are a way to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript. They represent
the eventual completion or failure of an asynchronous task and allow you to write code
that is more readable and maintainable when dealing with asynchronous programming.
Promises can be created using the Promise constructor and provide a chainable syntax
with .then() and .catch() methods to handle fulfillment and rejection of the promise.

9. How does JavaScript handle asynchronous programming?

JavaScript uses mechanisms such as callbacks, Promises, and async/await to handle
asynchronous programming. These mechanisms allow executing tasks without blocking
the main execution thread.

10. What are the different types of error in JavaScript?

JavaScript has several built-in error types, including 'SyntaxError', 'ReferenceError',
'TypeError', 'RangeError', and 'EvalError'. Each error type corresponds to a specific type
of error condition.
11. Explain the concept of debouncing in JavaScript.
Debouncing is a technique used to limit the frequency of a function call that gets invoked
repeatedly within a short period. It ensures that the function is executed only after a
specified interval of inactivity.

12. What is the difference between '==' and '===' in JavaScript?

'==' is a loose equality operator that compares values after performing type coercion if
necessary. '===' is a strict equality operator that compares both the values and types,
without performing any type coercion. It is generally considered best practice to use
'===' for equality comparisons in JavaScript.

13. What is the purpose of the "use strict" directive in JavaScript?

The "use strict" directive enables strict mode in JavaScript, which enforces stricter
parsing and error handling. It helps catch common coding mistakes and prevents the use
of certain error-prone features. Strict mode improves code quality, ensures better
compatibility, and prepares the codebase for future JavaScript features.

14. How do you clone an object in JavaScript?

There are multiple ways to clone an object in JavaScript. One common approach is to
use Object.assign() or the spread syntax (...) to create a shallow copy of the object.
Another option is to use JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(obj)) to create a deep copy.
However, be cautious with deep cloning, as it may not work as expected for complex
objects with functions or circular references.

15. What are generators in JavaScript?

Generators are special functions in JavaScript that can be paused and resumed. They
provide an easy way to define iterators and enable more flexible control flow. Generators
are defined using the function* syntax and use the yield keyword to pause the function
and return a value. They are useful for asynchronous programming, iterating over large
datasets, and implementing custom iteration patterns.
16. How do you handle errors in JavaScript?
In JavaScript, you can handle errors using try-catch blocks. The code that may throw an
error is wrapped in the try block, and if an error occurs, it is caught in the catch block.
Additionally, you can use the finally block to specify code that should always be
executed, regardless of whether an error occurred or not. The catch block can receive
an error object, which can be used to access information about the error.

17. What is event bubbling in JavaScript?

Event bubbling is a mechanism in JavaScript where an event triggered on a nested
element is also triggered on its parent elements in the DOM hierarchy. The event starts
at the innermost element and propagates up through its ancestors. Event bubbling
allows you to handle events on parent elements instead of attaching event listeners to
each individual child element.

18. What is the difference between 'document.ready' and 'window.onload'?

document.ready is an event in jQuery that fires when the DOM has finished loading and
is ready to be manipulated. It is a jQuery-specific event and provides a convenient way
to execute code when the DOM is ready. window.onload is a vanilla JavaScript event
that fires when the entire page, including all its dependencies (images, stylesheets, etc.),
has finished loading. It is a more general event and can be used without jQuery.

19. What is the purpose of the this keyword in JavaScript?

The this keyword in JavaScript refers to the current execution context or the object on
which a function is being invoked. Its value is determined by how a function is called:
● In a regular function, this refers to the global object (e.g., window in browsers).
● In an object method, this refers to the object that owns the method.
● With the use of the new keyword, this refers to the newly created object.
● When using arrow functions, this is lexically scoped and refers to the this value of
the surrounding context.
20. How do you handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript?
Asynchronous operations in JavaScript can be handled using callbacks, promises, or
async/await syntax:
● Callbacks: Pass a function as a callback to execute when the operation is complete.
 ● Promises: Use the Promise object to represent the eventual completion or failure of an
asynchronous operation. Chain .then() and .catch() methods to handle success and error
cases.
● Async/await: Use the async keyword to define an asynchronous function and await to
pause execution until a promise is resolved or rejected. This provides a more
synchronous-like code structure for asynchronous operations.
21. What are the differences between the ES6 keywords 'let' and 'var'?
● Scope: Variables declared with let have block scope, meaning they are only accessible
within the block they are defined in. Variables declared with var have function scope,
making them accessible within the entire function.
● Hoisting: Variables declared with var are hoisted, which means they are moved to the
top of their scope. Variables declared with let are not hoisted and must be declared
before they are used.
● Reassignment: Variables declared with let can be reassigned a new value, while
variables declared with var can also be reassigned. However, variables declared with
const cannot be reassigned.
● Global Scope: Variables declared with var outside of any function are attached to the
global object (e.g., window in browsers). Variables declared with let outside of any block
are not attached to the global object.
22. What is the purpose of the 'async' keyword in JavaScript?
The async keyword is used to define asynchronous functions in JavaScript. It allows you
to write functions that can pause and resume execution using the await keyword.
Asynchronous functions defined with async always return a promise, which simplifies
handling asynchronous operations and improves code readability.

23. What is the difference between shallow copy and deep copy in JavaScript?
Shallow copy and deep copy are methods used to create copies of objects or arrays:
● Shallow copy: Creates a new object or array with a new reference, but the nested
objects or arrays inside the original object or array are still referenced. Modifying
the nested objects or arrays will affect both the original and the copied object or
array.
● Deep copy: Creates a new object or array with new references for all nested
objects or arrays. Modifying the nested objects or arrays in the copied object or
array does not affect the original.
24. What is event capturing in JavaScript?
Event capturing is the phase of event propagation in the DOM where an event is
captured by the top-most parent element and then propagates down to the target
element. It is the opposite of event bubbling. During event capturing, event handlers
specified on parent elements are triggered before the event reaches the target element.

25. What is a Set in JavaScript?

A Set is a built-in object in JavaScript introduced in ES6. It represents a collection of
unique values, eliminating duplicate values automatically. Sets can store any type of
values, and you can perform operations like adding, deleting, and checking the
existence of values efficiently.

26. Explain the concept of currying in JavaScript.

Currying is a technique in functional programming where a function with multiple
arguments is transformed into a sequence of functions, each taking a single argument. It
allows you to partially apply a function by providing some arguments upfront and returns
a new function that expects the remaining arguments. Currying enables function
composition and creates more reusable and flexible code.

27. What is event delegation in JavaScript?

Event delegation is a technique where you attach a single event listener to a parent
element to handle events triggered by its child elements. Instead of attaching event
listeners to each individual child element, you leverage event bubbling to capture events
at the parent level. This improves performance, reduces memory consumption, and
simplifies event management, especially for dynamically added elements.

28. What is the purpose of the 'finally' block in a try-catch-finally statement?

The finally block in a try-catch-finally statement is used to specify code that will be
executed regardless of whether an exception is thrown or not. It ensures that certain
actions, such as resource cleanup, are performed regardless of the outcome of the
try-catch block. The finally block is optional, and if present, it will be executed last.
29. How can you convert a string to a number in JavaScript?
You can convert a string to a number in JavaScript using the parseInt() or parseFloat()
functions. The parseInt() function parses a string and returns an integer, while the
parseFloat() function parses a string and returns a floating-point number. For example:

30. What is the purpose of the 'bind' method in JavaScript?

The bind() method is used to create a new function with a specific this value and,
optionally, initial arguments. It allows you to bind a function to a particular context,
ensuring that the this value inside the function always refers to the provided context,
even when the function is called elsewhere. The bind() method does not immediately
invoke the function but returns a new function with the bound this value.

31. What are the different ways to create an object in JavaScript?

There are multiple ways to create objects in JavaScript:
● Object literals: Using curly braces ({}) to define key-value pairs.
● Constructor functions: Using a function and the new keyword to create objects.
● ES6 Classes: Using the class keyword to define a class and create objects using
the new keyword.
● Object.create(): Using the Object.create() method to create objects based on an
existing prototype.
32. What is the purpose of the map() method in JavaScript?
The map() method is used to iterate over an array and create a new array with the
results of applying a provided function to each element. It transforms the elements of an
array without modifying the original array. The map() method is commonly used for data
transformation and creating new arrays based on existing arrays.

33. What is the purpose of the 'debounce' function in JavaScript?

The debounce function is used to limit the frequency of a function call. It delays the
execution of a function until a specified time has passed since the last time the function
was invoked. It is commonly used in scenarios like handling input events, where you
want to wait for the user to finish typing before triggering an action to improve
performance and responsiveness.
34. What is a generator function in JavaScript?
A generator function is a special type of function in JavaScript that can be paused and
resumed. It is defined using the function* syntax and allows you to generate a sequence
of values over time. Generator functions use the yield keyword to pause execution and
return a value. They are particularly useful for lazy evaluation, implementing custom
iteration patterns, and asynchronous programming.

35. What is the purpose of the 'reduce()' method in JavaScript?

The reduce() method is used to iterate over an array and reduce it to a single value. It
executes a provided function on each element of the array, resulting in a single output
value. The reduce() method is often used for aggregating values, calculating sums or
averages, and performing complex transformations on arrays.

36. How do you handle errors in asynchronous functions?

In asynchronous functions, you can handle errors using try-catch blocks or by chaining a
.catch() method to the returned promise. Within a try block, you can use await to pause
the execution and catch any potential errors in the associated catch block. Alternatively,
you can handle errors in the .catch() method of the returned promise.

37. How do you deep clone an object in JavaScript?

Deep cloning an object involves creating a new object with copies of all nested objects
and arrays. One way to achieve deep cloning is by using
JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(obj)). However, this method has limitations and may not
work correctly for objects with functions or circular references. For complex objects, you
may need to use libraries like Lodash or implement custom deep cloning logic.

38. What is a closure in JavaScript?

A closure is a combination of a function and its lexical environment within which the
function was defined. It allows the function to access variables and parameters from its
outer scope even after the outer function has finished executing. Closures are commonly
used to create private variables, implement data encapsulation, and create functions
with persistent state.
JavaScript ES6 Top 20 interview questions and answers

1. What is ES6 in JavaScript?

ES6, also known as ECMAScript 2015, is the sixth major version of the ECMAScript
standard, which is the specification that defines the JavaScript language. ES6
introduced significant enhancements and new features to JavaScript, including arrow
functions, template literals, classes, modules, and more.

2. What are the new features introduced in ES6?

ES6 introduced several new features to JavaScript, including:
● Arrow functions
● Template literals
● Classes
● Modules
● Destructuring assignment
● Spread syntax
● Rest parameters
● Default parameters
● Enhanced object literals
● Promises
● Iterators and generators
● Map and Set data structures
● Symbols
● Proxy and Reflect objects
● Arrow functions
● Constants (using the const keyword)
● Block-scoped variables (using the let keyword)
● Enhanced looping mechanisms (for...of, forEach)
3. What is the difference between var, let, and const in ES6?
● var has function scope and can be redeclared and reassigned within its scope.
● let has block scope and allows reassignment within its scope but cannot be
redeclared in the same scope.
● const has block scope and is read-only (cannot be reassigned) once a value is
assigned to it. It cannot be redeclared in the same scope.
4. What is the purpose of arrow functions in ES6?
Arrow functions provide a concise syntax for writing function expressions in JavaScript.
They have a shorter syntax compared to traditional function expressions and lexically
bind the value of this. Arrow functions are especially useful for writing concise and
anonymous functions, and they do not have their own this value.

5. What are template literals in ES6?

Template literals are a new string notation in ES6 that allows embedding expressions
and variables inside a string using backticks (``) instead of single or double quotes. They
support multi-line strings and allow for string interpolation using ${} notation.

6. What are classes in ES6 and how are they different from constructor
functions?
Classes in ES6 provide a more straightforward and intuitive way to create objects and
define their behavior compared to constructor functions. They use the class keyword and
support methods, constructors, inheritance, and more. Classes are syntactical sugar
over JavaScript's prototype-based inheritance model and provide a more familiar syntax
for working with objects and inheritance.

7. What is destructuring assignment in ES6?

Destructuring assignment is a syntax in ES6 that allows extracting values from arrays or
objects and assigning them to variables in a concise way. It provides a convenient way
to unpack values from complex data structures and can be used to assign default values
as well.

8. What is the spread syntax in ES6?

The spread syntax (...) in ES6 allows expanding iterable objects, such as arrays or
strings, into individual elements. It can be used for array manipulation, function argument
spreading, object merging, and more.
9. What are default parameters in ES6?
Default parameters allow you to specify default values for function parameters in ES6. If
a value is not provided for a parameter, the default value is used instead. This simplifies
function calls by allowing some parameters to be optional.

10. What are modules in ES6?

Modules in ES6 are a way to organize and share code between JavaScript files. They
allow you to export and import functionality between files, making it easier to maintain
large-scale applications. Modules provide encapsulation, allowing you to keep variables
and functions private within a module and expose only what needs to be accessed
externally.

11. What is the purpose of the Promise object in ES6?

The Promise object is a built-in object in ES6 that represents the eventual completion or
failure of an asynchronous operation. It simplifies working with asynchronous code by
allowing you to chain operations using .then() and handle errors using .catch().

12. What is the difference between forEach and map methods in ES6?
● The forEach method iterates over an array and executes a provided function for
each element. It is primarily used for performing an operation on each element of
an array.
● The map method also iterates over an array and executes a provided function for
each element, but it returns a new array with the results of the function calls. It is
commonly used for transforming or mapping values from an array to a new array.
13. What is the purpose of the import and export keywords in ES6 modules?
The import keyword is used to import functionality from other modules, allowing you to
use functions, classes, or variables defined in other files. The export keyword is used to
export functionality from a module, making it accessible to other modules.

14. What is the difference between named exports and default exports in ES6
modules?
● Named exports allow you to export multiple values from a module by explicitly
naming them. When importing these exports, you need to use the corresponding
names.
 ● Default exports allow you to export a single value from a module as the default
export. When importing the default export, you can choose any name you prefer.
15. What is the purpose of the Symbol data type in ES6?
Symbols are a new primitive data type introduced in ES6. They are unique and
immutable values that can be used as property keys, providing a way to create
non-enumerable properties and prevent accidental property name collisions.

16. What is the difference between function declarations and arrow functions
in ES6?
● Function declarations are hoisted and have their own this value. They are defined
using the function keyword.
● Arrow functions are not hoisted and lexically bind the value of this. They have a
more concise syntax using the => arrow notation.
17. What is the purpose of the Map and Set data structures in ES6?
● Map is a built-in object in ES6 that allows you to store key-value pairs, where
both the keys and values can be of any type. It provides an efficient way to store
and retrieve data based on unique keys.
● Set is a built-in object in ES6 that allows you to store unique values of any type. It
provides methods for adding, removing, and checking the existence of values.
18. What is the purpose of the Proxy object in ES6?
The Proxy object is a built-in object in ES6 that allows you to intercept and customize
fundamental operations on objects, such as property access, assignment, function
invocation, and more. It enables you to create custom behaviors for objects and provides
a powerful mechanism for metaprogramming.

19. What are rest parameters in ES6?

Rest parameters allow you to represent an indefinite number of arguments as an array
within a function. They provide a concise way to work with variable-length argument lists
and eliminate the need for using the arguments object.

20. What is the purpose of the async and await keywords in ES6?
The async and await keywords are used together to handle asynchronous operations in
a more synchronous-like manner. The async keyword is used to define an asynchronous
function, and the await keyword is used to pause the execution of an asynchronous
function until a promise is resolved or rejected. This simplifies the syntax for working with
promises and makes asynchronous code easier to read and write.