---
id: 672d497cb1a1675e47bf7ea1
title: What Are Variables, and What Are Guidelines for Naming JavaScript Variables?
challengeType: 19
dashedName: what-are-variables
---

# --interactive--

In JavaScript, variables act as containers for storing data that you can access and modify throughout your program.

You can think of variables as boxes that hold values. With variables, you can keep track of things like numbers or text and refer to these values whenever you need them in your program.

One way to declare a variable in JavaScript is to use the `let` keyword. You will learn more about the `let` keyword as well as other ways to declare variables in future lessons.

Here's an example of using `let` to declare a variable called `age`:

```js
let age;
```

Right now, the `age` variable does not have a value assigned to it. If you try to use it, it will return `undefined`, which means it has no value.

Here is an example. 

**NOTE**: `console.log()` is a function that outputs information to the console, which is a part of your web browser used for debugging code. You will learn more about `console.log()` in future lessons. Also, the `//` symbols are used to add comments in your code. Comments are notes for yourself or other programmers that are ignored when the code runs.

:::interactive_editor
 
```js
let age;
console.log(age); // undefined
```

:::

To assign a value to a variable you will need to use the assignment operator like this:

```js
let age = 25;
```

Now when you use the `age` variable, it will return the value of `25`.

:::interactive_editor

```js
let age = 25;
console.log(age); // 25
```

:::

The assignment operator looks like an equals sign (`=`) but it doesn't check for equality. You'll learn about the correct operators for checking equality in future lessons.

The assignment operator is used to assign a value to a variable. This process of assigning a value to a variable is known as initialization.

One advantage of using the `let` keyword to declare variables is that you can reassign values to them. In programming, reassignment means giving a new value to a variable that already has one.

Here is an example of reassigning the value for the `age` variable.

:::interactive_editor

```js
let age = 25;
console.log(age); // 25
age = 30;
console.log(age); // 30
```

:::

Now the `age` variable holds the value of `30`. Notice that the `let` keyword wasn't needed again because the `age` variable was already declared, so there's no need to declare it a second time.

When using reassignment, you only need to reference the variable name. Reassignment is useful because it allows you to update and change the value stored in a variable as your program runs. A good example of this would be updating points in a game.

Naming variables may seem straightforward, but there are some rules and best practices to ensure your code is readable and functional.

Your variable names should describe what the data represents. For example, instead of using a name like `x`, a more descriptive name such as `age` or `points` makes your code easier to understand.

```js
// Bad variable names
let x = 10;
let y = "John";

// Good variable names
let age = 10;
```

Variables in JavaScript must begin with a letter, an underscore (`_`), or a dollar sign (`$`). They cannot start with a number.

```js
// Valid variable names
let age;
let _score;
let $total;

// Invalid variable names
let 1stPlace; // starts with a number
```

Variable names are case-sensitive, meaning the word `age` in all lowercase and the word `Age` with a capital `A` are considered different variables.

:::interactive_editor

```js
let age = 25;
let Age = 30;
console.log(age); // 25
console.log(Age); // 30
```

:::

This is why it's important to stick with a consistent naming convention like camelCase. camelCase is where the first word is all lowercase and each subsequent word starts with an uppercase letter.

Here is an example of using the camelCase naming convention for a variable:

```js
let thisIsCamelCase;
let anotherExampleVariable;
let freeCodeCampStudents;
```

There are certain keywords in JavaScript that you cannot use as variable names, such as `let`, `const`, `function`, or `return`, as they are reserved for the language itself.

You should also avoid using special characters like exclamation points (`!`) or at (`@`) symbols, in your variable names. It is best to keep variable names readable by using letters, numbers, underscores, or dollar signs.

By following these guidelines, your code will be cleaner and more manageable as it grows in complexity.

# --questions--

## --text--

Which keyword would you use to declare a variable in JavaScript when you plan to update its value later?

## --answers--

`set`

### --feedback--

Consider which keyword allows for reassignment of values.

---

`let`

---

`declare`

### --feedback--

Consider which keyword allows for reassignment of values.

---

`variable`

### --feedback--

Consider which keyword allows for reassignment of values.

## --video-solution--

2

## --text--

Which of the following is a valid variable name in JavaScript?

## --answers--

`1stPlace`

### --feedback--

Remember the rules for starting a variable name and avoiding special characters or reserved words.

---

`total-score!`

### --feedback--

Remember the rules for starting a variable name and avoiding special characters or reserved words.

---

`player1Score`

---

`const`

### --feedback--

Remember the rules for starting a variable name and avoiding special characters or reserved words.

## --video-solution--

3

## --text--

Why is it important to use descriptive names for your variables?

## --answers--

It's required by JavaScript.

### --feedback--

Think about how others (or yourself) can easily read and understand your code.

---

Descriptive names make your code easier to understand and maintain.

---

Descriptive names make the code run faster.

### --feedback--

Think about how others (or yourself) can easily read and understand your code.

---

Descriptive names allow you to avoid using `let`.

### --feedback--

Think about how others (or yourself) can easily read and understand your code.

## --video-solution--

2