JavaScript · Chapter 8 of 55
JavaScript Operators
Operators perform actions on values, called operands. JavaScript groups operators into categories: arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical, and more.
Understanding operator precedence — the order operations are evaluated — helps avoid unexpected results in complex expressions.
Categories
Arithmetic (`+ - * / % **`), assignment (`= += -=`), comparison (`== === < >`), logical (`&& || !`), and the ternary operator (`? :`) cover most needs.
Operator precedence
Multiplication and division run before addition and subtraction, similar to math class. Parentheses `()` override the default order.
Example 1 (javascript)
let result = 2 + 3 * 4;
console.log(result);Output
14Multiplication happens before addition.
Example 2 (javascript)
let age = 20;
let canVote = age >= 18 ? "Yes" : "No";
console.log(canVote);Output
YesThe ternary operator is a compact if/else.
Key points
- Operators act on operands to produce a value.
- Precedence determines evaluation order; use () to be explicit.
- The ternary operator `cond ? a : b` is a compact conditional.
- Logical operators `&&`, `||`, `!` combine boolean expressions.
💡 Note: When in doubt about precedence, add parentheses — clarity beats cleverness.