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JavaScript Operators: The Basics You Need to Know

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Operators are one of the most fundamental parts of programming. In JavaScript, operators allow us to perform calculations, compare values, and make logical decisions in our programs.

In simple terms:

Operators are symbols that perform operations on values (operands).

For example:

5 + 3

Here:

  • 5 and 3 → operands

  • + → operator

Let’s explore the most commonly used operators in JavaScript.


Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform mathematical calculations.

Operator Meaning Example
+ Addition 5 + 3
- Subtraction 10 - 4
* Multiplication 6 * 2
/ Division 8 / 2
% Modulus (remainder) 10 % 3

Example:

let a = 10;
let b = 3;

console.log(a + b); 
console.log(a - b); 
console.log(a * b); 
console.log(a / b); 
console.log(a % b);

Output:

13
7
30
3.33
1

The % operator returns the remainder after division.


Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are used to compare two values. They return a boolean value (true or false).

Operator Meaning
== Equal to
=== Strict equal
!= Not equal
> Greater than
< Less than

Example:

let x = 10;
let y = "10";

console.log(x == y);
console.log(x === y);

Output:

true
false

Difference Between == and ===

Operator Behavior
== Compares values only
=== Compares value AND type

Example:

10 == "10"   // true
10 === "10"  // false

Because "10" is a string while 10 is a number.

For safer code, developers usually prefer ===.


Logical Operators

Logical operators are used to combine conditions.

Operator Meaning
&& AND
! NOT

Example:

let age = 20;
let hasID = true;

if (age >= 18 && hasID) {
  console.log("Allowed to enter");
}

Output:

Allowed to enter

Logical Operator Truth Table

| A | B | A && B | A || B |

|---|---|---|---|

| true | true | true | true |

| true | false | false | true |

| false | true | false | true |

| false | false | false | false |

The ! operator simply reverses a value.

Example:

let isLoggedIn = false;

console.log(!isLoggedIn);

Output:

true

Assignment Operators

Assignment operators are used to assign values to variables.

Operator Meaning
= Assign value
+= Add and assign
-= Subtract and assign

Example:

let score = 10;

score += 5;
console.log(score);

score -= 3;
console.log(score);

Output:

15
12

Here:

score += 5  → score = score + 5
score -= 3  → score = score - 3

Small Practice Example

Let’s combine multiple operators in a simple program.

let num1 = 15;
let num2 = 5;

console.log("Addition:", num1 + num2);
console.log("Multiplication:", num1 * num2);

console.log(num1 == num2);
console.log(num1 > num2);

if (num1 > 10 && num2 < 10) {
  console.log("Condition is true");
}

Output:

Addition: 20
Multiplication: 75
false
true
Condition is true

Operator Categories (Quick Overview)

Category Examples
Arithmetic +, -, *, /, %
Comparison ==, ===, !=, >, <
Logical &&,
Assignment =, +=, -=

Conclusion

Operators are essential for performing calculations and making decisions in JavaScript programs.

Key takeaways:

  • Arithmetic operators perform mathematical operations.

  • Comparison operators compare values and return true or false.

  • Logical operators combine conditions.

  • Assignment operators store and update values in variables.

By understanding these basic operators, you can start writing more powerful and dynamic JavaScript programs.