The 10 Most Common JavaScript Issues Developers Face

We all know JavaScript is a programming language used by mobile app development companies to develop web applications and mobile apps. Suppose you are coming from a different programming language. In that case, it will be easy to understand or hard to get to know. But sometimes, even professional JavaScript developers make common mistakes you can easily avoid! 

Let’s look at the top 10 most common JavaScript mistakes to avoid in future projects and help you become a better JS developer. 

1. Confusing Between Signs (=) And (==, ===)

The assignment operator (=) is used for conveying values to variables. JS developers often need clarification between (=) and (==). Let’s look at the example: 

const name = "javascript";
if ((name = "nodejs")) {
    console.log(name);
}
// output - nodejs

As you can see in the code, NodeJS and name variables are not compared; instead, NodeJS is assigned to the name, and NodeJS is printed to the console. In Javascript, (==) and (===) are called comparison operators. The below code is the correct way to compare values:

const name = "javascript";
if (name == "nodejs") {
    console.log(name);
}
// no output
// OR
if (name === "nodejs") {
    console.log(name);
}
// no output

The fact is that (==) performs a loose comparison, and (===) performs a strict comparison.

2. Commas vs. Semicolons

Expert developers use semicolons to make codes readable, but beginners and some Android app developers need to correct the same here. They think semicolons consume more memory, so they use commas. You can avoid this common mistake as JS developers by practicing and learning. 

Studies on the usage of semicolons and commas show that using semicolons doesn’t consume memory or affect the performance of apps. They help you to keep your code readable and clean. It is also true that some mobile app development companies make the same mistake. To avoid making this mistake again, you can hire a Javascript developer to smooth out every development phase, like web applications or mobile applications.

3. DOM

It’s easy to add, modify, and remove elements on DOM in Javascript, but it must be done efficiently. JS developers often make mistakes of insufficient DOM manipulation. Adding multiple elements at a time consumes more time, is expensive, and mobile app development companies should avoid making that silly mistake. 

A better solution for JS developers to develop a web or mobile application error-free is to use document fragments instead. It directly boosts performance and efficiency. 

4. Confusion with “Strict Mode”

Strict mode in Javascript can be used by adding [‘use strict’ ;] at the start of the source files. It allows for stricter error handling and, at run time, parses your code to make it more secure. Many JS developers need to pay more attention to them, which is another common mistake. 

It’s a common mistake and can be easily avoided in projects to develop a web application or mobile app. However, some severe errors can be disastrous if not taken seriously; hiring a Javascript developer in such cases is better. 

5. Incorrect References to “this”

Before using “this,” you need to know how it works differently than in other languages. To understand the mistake more clearly, let’s see an example.

const obj = {
    name: "JavaScript",
    printName: function () {
     console.log(this.name);
    },
    printNameIn2Secs: function () {
        setTimeout(function () 
     {
        console.log(this.name);
     }, 2000);
    },
};
obj.printName();
// JavaScript
obj.printNameIn2Secs();
// undefined

As you can see, the result is “JavaScript” because “this.name” is finely used for the object’s name. The second result is “undefined.” Why? It’s because “this” lost reference to the object’s properties and name.

It is because “this” depends on the object that calls the function it resides in. Every function has a “this” variable, but the object it points to depends on the object that is called the function. Obj.printName() uses the keyword “this” to refer to the object itself. Obj.printNameIn2Secs’s “this” reference is obj itself. However, because no object is called setTimeout’s callback function, the “this” variable does not refer to any object.

Something like obj.setTimeout would be executed if an object had called setTimeout. The default object (window) is utilized because no object calls that function. The bind, call, apply, or arrow functions are the best method for maintaining the reference to “this” in setTimeout (introduced in ES6). Arrow functions don’t invent their own “this,” unlike regular functions.

6. Missing The Check to See If an Object Is Undefined

In Javascript, most times, objects are defined as null. Still, many JS or Android app developers must check if they are unified. The common mistake is commonly made at the beginning and can be easily avoided. But, in major projects, these mistakes can be costly; it’s far better to hire Javascript developers; mobile app development companies will take care of it. 

7. Defining Array Objects Using Named Indexes

JS developers must define array objects with numeric integer indexes using JavaScript. A sole value must be allocated to each component of an array. The error is that many ambitious JS developers utilize incorrect (named) indexes instead of numeric integer indexes.

8. No Loading of The Code Before Referencing

Before referencing, JavaScript requires JS developers to check if the code is loaded. Many developers need to correct this mistake and try executing without loading it.

9. Boolean Value Errors

First, let’s see the below code:

const isRunning = false
if(isRunning) {
   console.log('It is running)
} 
else {
    console.log('It is not running)
}
// It is not running

Like in the above code, it’s best practice to check Boolean values, and it’s common to get errors when testing some values. In JavaScript, comparing false and 0 returns true, and comparing one and true returns true. That means isRunning was, isRunning would be true. Now let’s see the second example.

const obj = {
    name: 'JavaScript',
    number: 0
}
if(obj.number) {
    console.log('number property exists'
} else {
    console.log('number property does not exist')
}
// number property does not exist

Now that the “number” property exists, obj.number returns 0, which is a false value, so the “else” block is executed. If you are unsure of the range of values, the Boolean values and properties should be tested as below:

if(a === false)...
if(object.hasOwnProperty(property))...

10. Confused in Addition and Concatenation

As a JS developer, you already know that the “+” sign has two functions in JavaScript: Addition and Concatenation. Addition is used for numbers, and concatenation is used for strings. But some JS developers often need clarification on them. Let’s see a sample to get to know it better.

const num1 = 30;
const num2 = "20";
const num3 = 30;
const word1 = "Java"
const word2 = "Script"
console.log(num1 + num2);
// 3020
console.log(num1 + num3);
// 60
console.log(word1 + word2);
// JavaScript

As you can see in the above code, num 1 + num 2 = 3020, but num 1 + num3 = 60. So, adding ’’’’ this merges strings; without adding that, it runs mathematical operations for numbers.

Bottom Line: It’s Not the End of Common Mistakes

Almost every JS developer makes some common mistakes like this post’s content. How do we avoid these mistakes? The best answer is to keep practicing and learning from others’ experiences and mistakes. These mistakes are common and easy to resolve but unavoidable in significant projects. You can hire a Javascript developer for peace of mind in projects that develop web and mobile applications. 

I hope I have helped you with useful information about common mistakes to avoid. Comment down what first mistake you made in your first-ever project. 

To learn more about – Recursion in Javascript