What are the differences between async/await and callbacks in JavaScript?

What are the differences between async/await and callbacks in JavaScript?

Async/await is a modern way to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript, making code easier to read and write. Callbacks, on the other hand, are functions passed as arguments to handle asynchronous results, but they can lead to callback hell if not managed properly.

Can you give me an example of both?

Sure! Here's a callback example:

function fetchData(callback) {
    setTimeout(() => {
        callback('Data received');
    }, 1000);
}

fetchData(data => console.log(data));

And here's the async/await version:

function fetchData() {
    return new Promise(resolve => {
        setTimeout(() => {
            resolve('Data received');
        }, 1000);
    });
}

async function getData() {
    const data = await fetchData();
    console.log(data);
}

getData();

Which one is better to use?

Async/await is generally preferred for its readability and ease of error handling. It allows you to write asynchronous code that looks synchronous, making it easier to understand and maintain.

Are there any downsides to using async/await?

Yes, async/await can lead to unhandled promise rejections if not properly managed. Additionally, it may not be supported in older environments without transpilation.