How does hoisting work in JavaScript?

Can you explain how hoisting works in JavaScript?

Sure! Hoisting is a JavaScript mechanism where variables and function declarations are moved to the top of their containing scope during the compile phase.

Does that mean I can use variables before they are declared?

Yes, you can use variables before they are declared, but they will be undefined until the declaration is reached in the code.

What about function expressions? Are they hoisted too?

No, function expressions are not hoisted. Only function declarations are hoisted, so you can't call a function expression before it's defined.

Can you give me an example of hoisting in action?

Certainly! For example:

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

In this case, the declaration of x is hoisted, but the assignment happens at runtime.