JavaScript's data types are divided into primitive types and reference types, and the core difference is the storage method and assignment behavior. Primitive types include string, number, boolean, null, undefined, symbol, and bigint, which are immutable and passed by value, for example let a=10; let b=a; modifying b does not affect a. Reference types such as objects, arrays, and functions are mutable and passed by reference, for example, let obj1={name: "Tom"}; let obj2=obj1; Modifying obj2.name will affect obj1.name. Typeof can be used to judge types, but please note that null returns "object", so typeof should be used when judging objects obj==="object" && obj!==null.
In JavaScript, data types are divided into two categories: Primitive Types and Reference Types . Their core differences lie in storage methods and assignment behavior .
Simply put, the original type is immutable and directly stores values; while the reference type stores the reference address pointing to the object. Understanding this is very important for writing stable and predictable code.
Primitive type: value immutable, direct assignment
There are 6 common primitive types in JavaScript: string
, number
, boolean
, null
, undefined
, symbol
(and bigint
). Their characteristics are:
- Value immutable : For example, once a string is created, it cannot be changed.
- Pass by value : When you assign a variable of the original type to another variable, you actually copy a copy of the value.
For example:
let a = 10; let b = a; b = 20; console.log(a); // Output 10 console.log(b); // Output 20
Here the value of a
is copied to b
, modifying b
will not affect a
.
Reference type: variable value, passed by reference
Reference types include objects ( Object
), arrays ( Array
), functions ( Function
), etc. Their characteristics are:
- The value can be changed (mutable)
- Pass by reference : When assigning, the memory address is simply copied, and multiple variables may point to the same object.
See an example:
let obj1 = { name: "Tom" }; let obj2 = obj1; obj2.name = "Jerry"; console.log(obj1.name); // Output "Jerry"
Because obj1
and obj2
point to the same memory address, modifying one of them will affect the other.
Tips for judging types
If you want to confirm whether a variable is a primitive or reference type, you can use the following method:
Use
typeof
to determine most primitive types:typeof 123; // "number" typeof "hello"; // "string" typeof true; // "boolean" typeof undefined; // "undefined" typeof Symbol(); // "symbol"
For
null
, note that it is a "legacy issue" and returns"object"
:typeof null; // "object" ← Inaccurate
To determine whether it is an object (reference type), you can use:
typeof obj === "object" && obj !== null;
Basically that's it. Distinguishing between primitive types and reference types can help you avoid many pitfalls in assignment and comparison, especially when dealing with objects and arrays.
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