JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers for 7 years experience
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What is the difference between == and === in JavaScript?
- Answer: `==` performs loose equality comparison, converting types before comparing values. `===` performs strict equality comparison, requiring both value and type to be the same. For example, `1 == "1"` is true, but `1 === "1"` is false.
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Explain hoisting in JavaScript.
- Answer: Hoisting is a JavaScript mechanism where declarations of variables and functions are moved to the top of their scope before code execution. This means you can use a variable or function before its declaration, but the value will be `undefined` (for variables) until the declaration is reached. It applies to variable declarations (using `var`), function declarations (not function expressions), and class declarations.
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What are closures in JavaScript?
- Answer: A closure is a function that has access to variables from its surrounding scope (lexical environment), even after that scope has finished executing. This allows functions to "remember" their environment, enabling features like private variables and state preservation.
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Explain the concept of 'this' in JavaScript.
- Answer: The value of `this` depends on how the function is called. In a regular function call, `this` points to the global object (window in browsers, undefined in strict mode). In methods, `this` refers to the object the method is called on. Arrow functions don't have their own `this` binding; they inherit it from the surrounding scope. The `call()`, `apply()`, and `bind()` methods allow you to explicitly set the value of `this`.
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What are prototypes in JavaScript?
- Answer: Every object in JavaScript has a prototype, which is another object. Prototypes allow objects to inherit properties and methods from their prototypes, forming a prototype chain. When you access a property on an object, JavaScript searches the object itself, then its prototype, then its prototype's prototype, and so on, until it finds the property or reaches the end of the chain (Object.prototype).
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Describe event bubbling and event capturing.
- Answer: Event bubbling is when an event triggered on an element also triggers on its parent elements, propagating up the DOM tree. Event capturing is the reverse – the event is first handled by the outermost ancestor and then propagates down to the target element. You can control which happens using `addEventListener`'s third argument (useCapture).
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What is the difference between `let`, `const`, and `var`?
- Answer: `var` has function scope (or global if not in a function). `let` and `const` have block scope (within `{}`). `const` declares a constant whose value cannot be reassigned after initialization. `let` declares a variable whose value can be changed. `var` is generally avoided in modern JavaScript.
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Explain asynchronous JavaScript. How does it work?
- Answer: Asynchronous JavaScript allows code to continue executing without waiting for long-running operations (like network requests) to complete. This is typically achieved using promises, async/await, or callbacks. The event loop handles these asynchronous operations, allowing other parts of the program to execute while waiting for I/O operations to finish.
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What are Promises in JavaScript?
- Answer: A Promise is an object representing the eventual completion (or failure) of an asynchronous operation. It has three states: pending, fulfilled (success), and rejected (failure). It uses `.then()` to handle successful results and `.catch()` to handle errors.
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Explain async/await.
- Answer: `async/await` provides a cleaner syntax for writing asynchronous code. `async` declares an asynchronous function that returns a Promise. `await` pauses execution within an `async` function until a Promise resolves, making asynchronous code look and behave a bit more like synchronous code.
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What is AJAX? How does it work?
- Answer: AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a set of web development techniques using many web technologies on the client-side to asynchronously update parts of a web page without reloading the whole page. It commonly uses `XMLHttpRequest` (or the newer `fetch` API) to send requests to a server and receive data.
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What is JSON? How is it used in JavaScript?
- Answer: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight text-based data-interchange format. JavaScript provides built-in methods (`JSON.parse()` and `JSON.stringify()`) for working with JSON data, converting it between string and JavaScript object representations.
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Explain the concept of event delegation.
- Answer: Event delegation involves attaching an event listener to a parent element instead of individual child elements. When an event occurs on a child element, the event bubbles up to the parent, allowing the parent's listener to handle the event regardless of which child was the target. This improves performance, especially when dealing with a large number of child elements.
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What are some common JavaScript design patterns?
- Answer: Common JavaScript design patterns include: Module Pattern, Singleton Pattern, Observer Pattern, Factory Pattern, Decorator Pattern, Strategy Pattern, and many more. These provide reusable solutions for common problems in software development.
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How do you handle errors in JavaScript?
- Answer: JavaScript uses `try...catch` blocks to handle errors. Code that might throw an error is placed inside the `try` block. If an error occurs, it's caught by the `catch` block, which can perform error handling (logging, displaying an error message, etc.). `finally` blocks can execute code regardless of whether an error occurred.
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What are some ways to optimize JavaScript code for performance?
- Answer: Performance optimization techniques include minimizing DOM manipulations, using efficient algorithms and data structures, caching frequently accessed data, code minification and compression, using appropriate data types, and avoiding unnecessary calculations. Profiling tools can help identify performance bottlenecks.
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Explain the difference between synchronous and asynchronous operations.
- Answer: Synchronous operations execute one after another, blocking execution until each operation completes. Asynchronous operations execute concurrently without blocking the main thread, allowing other code to run while waiting for the asynchronous operation to finish.
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What is a callback function?
- Answer: A callback function is a function passed as an argument to another function. It is executed after the completion of the function to which it was passed.
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Describe the use of the `map`, `filter`, and `reduce` array methods.
- Answer: `map()` creates a new array by transforming each element of the original array using a provided function. `filter()` creates a new array containing only the elements that pass a test specified by a provided function. `reduce()` applies a function cumulatively to the array elements to reduce them to a single value.
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Explain how to create and use modules in JavaScript (ES modules or CommonJS).
- Answer: ES modules use `export` and `import` keywords to define and use modules. CommonJS modules use `module.exports` and `require()`.
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How do you handle cross-origin requests (CORS)?
- Answer: CORS is handled by setting appropriate headers on the server to allow requests from specific origins. The browser checks these headers before making the request.
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What are some popular JavaScript testing frameworks?
- Answer: Popular JavaScript testing frameworks include Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, and Cypress.
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Explain the concept of functional programming in JavaScript.
- Answer: Functional programming emphasizes the use of pure functions, immutability, and higher-order functions to improve code readability, maintainability, and testability.
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What are some techniques for debugging JavaScript code?
- Answer: Debugging techniques include using the browser's developer tools (console logging, breakpoints, stepping through code), using debugging libraries, and writing unit tests.
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Describe your experience with a specific JavaScript framework (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on your experience with a specific framework. Detail your experience with components, state management, routing, and any challenges you overcame.]
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Explain how you would handle asynchronous operations in a large-scale application.
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer demonstrating your understanding of techniques like promises, async/await, and potentially libraries like RxJS for managing complex asynchronous flows in a large application.]
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How do you structure a large JavaScript project to maintain code organization and readability?
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer detailing your approach to code organization, possibly including modules, patterns like MVC or MVVM, and the use of a build system (like Webpack or Parcel).]
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How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in JavaScript and related technologies?
- Answer: [Describe your methods for staying current: following blogs, attending conferences, reading documentation, engaging in online communities, etc.]
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What are Web Workers and how are they used?
- Answer: Web Workers allow you to run JavaScript code in the background without blocking the main thread, enhancing responsiveness. They're particularly useful for CPU-intensive tasks.
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Explain Service Workers and their role in progressive web apps (PWAs).
- Answer: Service Workers enable features like offline caching and push notifications in PWAs. They act as proxies for network requests, intercepting and handling them even when the page isn't loaded.
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What is the difference between a shallow copy and a deep copy?
- Answer: A shallow copy creates a new object but copies only the top-level properties by reference. A deep copy creates a completely independent copy, recursively copying all nested objects and arrays.
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How would you implement a debounce function in JavaScript?
- Answer: A debounce function delays the execution of a function until a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last call. This is often used to prevent excessive calls to a function (e.g., on a resize event).
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How would you implement a throttle function in JavaScript?
- Answer: A throttle function limits the rate at which a function can be called. It ensures that the function is called at most once within a specified time interval, even if it's called multiple times.
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Explain the concept of immutability in JavaScript and why it's important.
- Answer: Immutability means that once an object is created, its state cannot be modified. This makes debugging easier and helps prevent unexpected side effects.
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What are some best practices for writing clean and maintainable JavaScript code?
- Answer: Best practices include using consistent naming conventions, writing well-documented code, following a consistent coding style, using linters and formatters, writing unit tests, and keeping functions concise and focused.
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Describe your experience with working on a team using Git for version control.
- Answer: [Describe your experience with Git branching strategies, pull requests, code reviews, and conflict resolution.]
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How familiar are you with build tools like Webpack or Parcel?
- Answer: [Describe your experience with build tools, including configuration, module bundling, and optimization.]
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Explain your experience with testing methodologies (unit, integration, end-to-end).
- Answer: [Describe your experience with different types of testing, including choosing appropriate tests for different situations.]
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How do you handle performance issues in a JavaScript application?
- Answer: [Describe your process for identifying and resolving performance problems, including profiling tools and optimization techniques.]
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What are some common security considerations when developing JavaScript applications?
- Answer: [Discuss common security vulnerabilities like XSS, CSRF, and SQL injection, and how to mitigate them.]
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What are your preferred methods for debugging complex JavaScript issues?
- Answer: [Describe your systematic approach to debugging, including using logging, breakpoints, and debugging tools.]
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Explain your approach to working with legacy JavaScript code.
- Answer: [Describe your strategy for understanding, maintaining, and potentially refactoring legacy code.]
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How do you handle conflicting requirements or priorities in a project?
- Answer: [Describe your approach to prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders.]
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Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?
- Answer: [Provide a specific example and detail your learning process.]
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Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.
- Answer: [Provide a detailed example, focusing on your problem-solving skills and technical abilities.]
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Describe a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?
- Answer: [Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts.]
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What are your salary expectations?
- Answer: [Provide a realistic salary range based on your experience and research.]
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Why are you interested in this position?
- Answer: [Explain why this specific role and company are appealing to you.]
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Answer: [Share your career aspirations, demonstrating ambition and alignment with the company's goals.]
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