Difference between “ == “ and “ === “ operators

To compare objects in JavaScript, the operators === and == are used. The distinction between the two operators is that while "==" compares values, "===" compares both values and types. It is also know as loose equality (==) and strict equality (===) operators.

Strict Equality (===):

=== checks for equality without converting types.

When the operands have the same type and value, it returns true.

When the operands differ in type or value, it returns false.

Example

console.log(5 === 5);        // true
console.log("5" === 5);      // false (different types)
console.log(5 === "5");      // false (different types)
console.log(true === true);  // true
console.log(null === undefined); // false (different types)

Loose Equality (==):

== checks equality with type coercion.

The type conversion allows comparison between different types.

When the operands are equal after conversion, it returns true.

When the operands are not of the same type or cannot be converted, it returns false.

Example

console.log(5 == 5);        // true
console.log("5" == 5);      // true (converted string to number)
console.log(5 == "5");      // true (converted string to number)
console.log(true == 1);     // true (converted boolean to number)
console.log(null == undefined); // true (special case)

With ===, you check both value and type equality explicitly, which is considered safer and less likely to lead to unexpected behavior. In contrast, == allows for greater flexibility because type coercion is performed, which can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.

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Difference between “ == “ and “ === “ operators

Strict Equality (===):

Example

Loose Equality (==):

Example