# 3 Ways to declare variables in JavaScript: var, let, and const explained
At the time of writing this article there are only _two_ popular ways of declaring variables in JavaScript: `let` and `const`, poor `var` is long lost in the darkness of misunderstood principles.
The idea behind writing this article is to try and clear up the air around why new developers are sceptical about using `var` and every time I ask this question in an interview all I get to hear is "var is bad", "var makes global variables" bla, bla.
## tldr;
- `var` is function scoped, that is it'll only be accessible in the scope of the function it's declared in.
- `let` and `const` are block-scoped, that is they'll only be accessible in the scope of the block they're declared in.
Those who are looking for a deeper explanation should continue reading.
## var
`var` has been around since the beginning of time (just kidding, I think even before that). Some characteristics of a variable declared using `var`
- it is function scoped when defined inside one otherwise is globally scoped
- can be re-declared in the same scope without throwing an error (even in strict mode)
- can be re-assigned
- can be used before the declaration line in code (although the value will be `undefined`)
```ts
console.log(test); // undefined
var test = "512";
console.log(test); // 512
```
because the interpreter sees this code like
```ts
var test; // undefined is the default value
console.log(test); // undefined
test = "512"
console.log(test); // 512
```
---
## const and let
The behavior of `const` and `let` is the same other than the fact that variables declared using `const` cannot be re-assigned.
Some characteristics of variables declared using `const` and `let`
- it is block-scoped when defined inside one otherwise is globally scoped
- cannot be re-declared
- variables declared using `let` can be re-assigned but not `const`
- cannot be used before the declaration line in code (Reference error is thrown because variables are not a given default value)
```ts
console.log(test); // ReferenceError: Cannot access 'test' before initialization
var test = "512";
console.log(test);
```
---
## Conclusion
> Every tool is build for serving some purpose, we should utilise for it's goodness and not just follow the herd criticising it.
I'll be writing another article explaining how we can best use these tools.
That's it for this one. I hope you find this article helpful! Should you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to put them in the comments below. For more such articles, please follow me on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/sun_anshuman)
> Until next time
