37 Essential JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers (2022) Toptal®

37 Essential JavaScript Interview
Questions *
Toptal sourced essential questions that the best JavaScript developers and
engineers can answer. Driven from our community, we encourage experts to
submit questions and offer feedback.
Apply as a JavaScript Developer
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is a potential pitfall with using typeof bar === "object" to

determine if bar is an object? How can this pitfall be avoided?
View answer
2. What will the code below output to the console and why?
(function(){
var a = b = 3;
})();
console.log("a defined? " + (typeof a !== 'undefined'));

console.log("b defined? " + (typeof b !== 'undefined'));
By continuing to use this site you agree to our Cookie Policy. Got it
View answer
var myObject = {
foo: "bar",
func: function() {
var self = this;
console.log("outer func: this.foo = " + this.foo);
console.log("outer func: self.foo = " + self.foo);
(function() {
console.log("inner func: this.foo = " + this.foo);
console.log("inner func: self.foo = " + self.foo);
}());
}
};
myObject.func();
View answer
Apply to Join Toptal's Development Network

and enjoy reliable, steady, remote Freelance JavaScript Developer Jobs
Apply as a Freelancer
4. What is the significance of, and reason for, wrapping the entire
content of a JavaScript source file in a function block?
View answer
What is the significance, and what are the benefits, of including
5. 'use
strict' at the beginning of a JavaScript source file?
View answer
6. Consider the two functions below. Will they both return the same
thing? Why or why not?
function foo1()
{
return {
bar: "hello"
};
}
function foo2()
{
return
{
bar: "hello"
};
}
View answer
7. What will the code below output? Explain your answer.
console.log(0.1 + 0.2);
console.log(0.1 + 0.2 == 0.3);
View answer
8. In what order will the numbers 1-4 be logged to the console when the
code below is executed? Why?
(function() {
console.log(1);
setTimeout(function(){console.log(2)}, 1000);
setTimeout(function(){console.log(3)}, 0);
console.log(4);
})();
View answer
9. Write a simple function (less than 160 characters) that returns a

boolean indicating whether or not a string is a palindrome.
View answer
10. Write a sum method which will work properly when invoked using
either syntax below.
console.log(sum(2,3)); // Outputs 5
console.log(sum(2)(3)); // Outputs 5
View answer
11. Consider the following code snippet:
for (var i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

var btn = document.createElement('button');
btn.appendChild(document.createTextNode('Button ' + i));
btn.addEventListener('click', function(){ console.log(i); });
document.body.appendChild(btn);
}
(a) What gets logged to the console when the user clicks on “Button 4”
and why?
(b) Provide one or more alternate implementations that will work as

expected.
View answer
12. Assuming d is an “empty” object in scope, say:
var d = {};
…what is accomplished using the following code?
[ 'zebra', 'horse' ].forEach(function(k) {

d[k] = undefined;
});
View answer
var arr1 = "john".split('');

var arr2 = arr1.reverse();
var arr3 = "jones".split('');
arr2.push(arr3);
console.log("array 1: length=" + arr1.length + " last=" + arr1.slice(-1));
console.log("array 2: length=" + arr2.length + " last=" + arr2.slice(-1));
View answer
14. What will the code below output to the console and why ?
console.log(1 + "2" + "2");

console.log(1 + +"2" + "2");
console.log(1 + -"1" + "2");
console.log(+"1" + "1" + "2");
console.log( "A" - "B" + "2");
console.log( "A" - "B" + 2);
View answer
15. following recursive code will cause a stack overflow if the array list
The
is too large. How can you fix this and still retain the recursive pattern?
var list = readHugeList();
var nextListItem = function() {

var item = list.pop();
if (item) {
// process the list item...
nextListItem();
}
};
View answer
16. What is a “closure” in JavaScript? Provide an example.
View answer
17. What would the following lines of code output to the console?
console.log("0 || 1 = "+(0 || 1));

console.log("1 || 2 = "+(1 || 2));
console.log("0 && 1 = "+(0 && 1));
console.log("1 && 2 = "+(1 && 2));
Explain your answer.
View answer
18. What will be the output when the following code is executed?
Explain.
console.log(false == '0')
By continuing to use this site
console.log(false ===you agree to our Cookie Policy.
'0') Got it
View answer
19. What is the output out of the following code? Explain your answer.
var a={},
b={key:'b'},
c={key:'c'};
a[b]=123;
a[c]=456;
console.log(a[b]);
View answer
20. What will the following code output to the console:
console.log((function f(n){return ((n > 1) ? n * f(n-1) : n)})(10));
Explain your answer.
View answer
21. Consider the code snippet below. What will the console output be
and why?
(function(x) {
return (function(y) {
console.log(x);
})(2)
})(1);
View answer
22. What will the following code output to the console and why:
var hero = {
_name: 'John Doe',
getSecretIdentity: function (){
return this._name;
}
};
var stoleSecretIdentity = hero.getSecretIdentity;
console.log(stoleSecretIdentity());
console.log(hero.getSecretIdentity());
What is the issue with this code and how can it be fixed.
View answer
23. Create a function that, given a DOM Element on the page, will visit
the element itself and all of its descendents (not just its immediate
children). For each element visited, the function should pass that
element to a provided callback function.
The arguments to the function should be:
• a DOM element
• a callback function (that takes a DOM element as its argument)
View answer
24. Testing your this knowledge in JavaScript: What is the output of

the following code?
var length = 10;

function fn() {
console.log(this.length);
}
var obj = {
By continuing to use
length: 5, this site you agree to our Cookie Policy. Got it
method: function(fn) {
fn();
arguments[0]();
}
};
obj.method(fn, 1);
View answer
25. Consider the following code. What will the output be, and why?
(function () {
try {
throw new Error();
} catch (x) {
var x = 1, y = 2;
console.log(x);
}
console.log(x);
console.log(y);
})();
View answer
26. What will be the output of this code?
var x = 21;
var girl = function () {
console.log(x);
var x = 20;
};
girl ();
View answer
27. for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

By continuingsetTimeout(function()
to use this site you agree{ to our Cookie Policy.
console.log(i); }, i * 1000 ); Got it
}
What will this code print?
View answer
28. What do the following lines output, and why?
console.log(1 < 2 < 3);

console.log(3 > 2 > 1);
View answer
29. How do you add an element at the begining of an array? How do

you add one at the end?
View answer
30. Imagine you have this code:
var a = [1, 2, 3];
a) Will this result in a crash?
a[10] = 99;
b) What will this output?
console.log(a[6]);
View answer
31. What is the value of typeof undefined == typeof NULL ?
View answer
What would following code return?
32.
console.log(typeof typeof 1);
View answer
33. What will be the output of the following code:
for (var i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

setTimeout(function() { console.log(i); }, i * 1000 );
}
Explain your answer. How could the use of closures help here?
View answer
34. What is NaN ? What is its type? How can you reliably test if a value is
equal to NaN ?
View answer
35. What will the following code output and why?
var b = 1;
function outer(){
var b = 2
function inner(){
b++;
var b = 3;
console.log(b)
}
inner();
}
outer();
View answer
36. Discuss possible ways to write a function isInteger(x) that
determines if x is an integer.
View answer
37. How do you clone an object?
View answer
* There is more to interviewing than tricky technical questions, so these are intended merely as a guide. Not
every “A” candidate worth hiring will be able to answer them all, nor does answering them all guarantee an “A”
candidate. At the end of the day, hiring remains an art, a science — and a lot of work.
WHY TOPTAL
Tired of interviewing candidates? Not sure what to ask to get you a

top hire?
Let Toptal find the best people for you.
Hire a Top JavaScript Developer Now
OUR EXCLUSIVE NETWORK OF JAVASCRIPT DEVELOPERS
Jay Johnston
Freelance JavaScript Developer
Looking to land a job as a JavaScript Developer?
Let Toptal find the right job for you.
Apply as a JavaScript Developer
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR NETWORK
Remote Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Job for a Sales Automation Platform (Part-Time)
1 day ago・Remote・Part Time
Submit an interview question
Submitted questions and answers are subject to review and editing, and may or may not be
selected for posting, at the sole discretion of Toptal, LLC.
Name *
Email *
Enter Your Question Here … *
Enter Your Answer Here … *
* I agree with the Terms and Conditions of Toptal, LLC's Privacy Policy
* All fields are required
Submit a Question
Looking for JavaScript Developers?

Looking for JavaScript Developers? Check out Toptal’s JavaScript developers.
Jay Johnston
United States Toptal Member Since November 6, 2013
Coding HTML, CSS, and JS since his armed forces days in 1997, Jay's
experience in adapting web technology to meet customer needs is
extensive. He enjoys bringing value to clients via eCommerce solution…
Show More
View Jay JavaScript PHP Node.js jQuery LAMP SQL
CSS Full-stack
Tyler Standley
United States Toptal Member Since June 25, 2018
Along with strong communication skills and an exemplary work ethic,

Tyler brings his hands-on experience with a wide range of programming
languages. Recently, though, his focus has been directed towards…
Show More
View Tyler JavaScript Amazon Web Services (AWS) AWS
Justin Michela
United States Toptal Member Since March 28, 2018
Justin is a technical professional with a passion for learning and 15+

years of experience leading teams to build enterprise-grade distributed
applications that solve real-world problems. He is a firm believer that…
Show More
View Justin JavaScript Java React Native Freelance C#
Spring TypeScript Back-end Development Python
Toptal Connects the Top 3% of Freelance
Talent All Over The World.
Join the Toptal community.
Learn more
Skills in High Demand by Clients About
React.js Top 3%
JavaScript Clients
Python Toptal Talent Assessment
WordPress Ultimate Freelancing Guide
Node.js Blog
Java Community
About Us
Contact Social
Contact Us
Press Center
Careers
FAQ
®
The World’s Top Talent, On Demand ™
Copyright 2010 - 2022 Toptal, LLC Privacy Policy Website Terms

37 Essential JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers (2022) Toptal®

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

37 Essential JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers (2022) Toptal®

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

37 Essential JavaScript Interview

Apply as a JavaScript Developer

1. What is a potential pitfall with using typeof bar === "object" to

console.log("a defined? " + (typeof a !== 'undefined'));

Apply to Join Toptal's Development Network

strict' at the beginning of a JavaScript source file?

7. What will the code below output? Explain your answer.

9. Write a simple function (less than 160 characters) that returns a

11. Consider the following code snippet:

for (var i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

(b) Provide one or more alternate implementations that will work as

12. Assuming d is an “empty” object in scope, say:

…what is accomplished using the following code?

[ 'zebra', 'horse' ].forEach(function(k) {

var arr1 = "john".split('');

console.log(1 + "2" + "2");

var list = readHugeList();

var nextListItem = function() {

16. What is a “closure” in JavaScript? Provide an example.

console.log("0 || 1 = "+(0 || 1));

Explain your answer.

20. What will the following code output to the console:

console.log((function f(n){return ((n > 1) ? n * f(n-1) : n)})(10));

Explain your answer.

var stoleSecretIdentity = hero.getSecretIdentity;

The arguments to the function should be:

• a callback function (that takes a DOM element as its argument)

24. Testing your this knowledge in JavaScript: What is the output of

var length = 10;

26. What will be the output of this code?

27. for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

28. What do the following lines output, and why?

console.log(1 < 2 < 3);

29. How do you add an element at the begining of an array? How do

30. Imagine you have this code:

var a = [1, 2, 3];

a) Will this result in a crash?

b) What will this output?

31. What is the value of typeof undefined == typeof NULL ?

console.log(typeof typeof 1);

33. What will be the output of the following code:

for (var i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

35. What will the following code output and why?

37. How do you clone an object?

Tired of interviewing candidates? Not sure what to ask to get you a

Hire a Top JavaScript Developer Now

OUR EXCLUSIVE NETWORK OF JAVASCRIPT DEVELOPERS

Apply as a JavaScript Developer

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR NETWORK

Enter Your Question Here … *

* All fields are required

Looking for JavaScript Developers?

View Jay JavaScript PHP Node.js jQuery LAMP SQL

Along with strong communication skills and an exemplary work ethic,

View Tyler JavaScript Amazon Web Services (AWS) AWS

Justin is a technical professional with a passion for learning and 15+

View Justin JavaScript Java React Native Freelance C#

Spring TypeScript Back-end Development Python

Join the Toptal community.

Skills in High Demand by Clients About

Python Toptal Talent Assessment

WordPress Ultimate Freelancing Guide

The World’s Top Talent, On Demand ™