Can you explain variable hoisting?

Can you explain variable hoisting?

Sure! Variable hoisting is a JavaScript mechanism where variable declarations are moved to the top of their containing scope during the compile phase.

Does that mean I can use a variable before it's declared?

Yes, you can use a variable before its declaration, but it will be undefined until the declaration is reached.

Can you give me an example?

Of course! For example:

console.log(x); // undefined
var x = 5;
console.log(x); // 5

In this case, the first console.log outputs undefined because x is hoisted but not initialized.

What about let and const? Do they hoist too?

Yes, let and const also hoist, but they are not initialized. Accessing them before declaration results in a ReferenceError.