Variables – Storing Data

What Is a Variable?

A variable is a name that you use refer to something, such as a saved number or text. Imagine a variable as a wire that connects a name to a value.

Creating a Variable with let

One way to create a variable in JavaScript is by using the let keyword. With let, you create a "wire" that can later be reconnected to a new value. This is useful because, as you learn, you’ll see that the value your variable points to might change as your program runs.

Here’s a simple example:

let score = 10;
console.log(score);

In this code:

• We create a wire (variable) called score using let.
• We connect (or point) that wire to the value 10.
• We then print the value to the console with console.log(score).

Changing What a Variable Points To

Because the wire created with let can be reconnected, you can change its value at any time. For instance:

let greeting = "Hello";
greeting = "Hi there";
console.log(greeting); // Prints: Hi there

The wire named greeting now points to “Hi there.”

Exercises