Difference between == and ===
Learn why strict equality (===) avoids unexpected type coercion in JavaScript.
beginnerFundamentalsjavascriptequalitytype coercion
Published: 11/3/2025
Updated: 11/3/2025
Question
What’s the difference between == and ===?
Answer
==performs type coercion before comparison===checks both type and value
console.log(5 == '5'); // true (string converted to number)
console.log(5 === '5'); // false (different types)
Type coercion pitfalls:
console.log(0 == false); // true
console.log('' == false); // true
console.log([] == false); // true
Real-World Example
Always use === in conditions — coercion often leads to hidden bugs.
Quick Practice
Predict:
console.log(null == undefined);
console.log(null === undefined);
Summary
===is safer, predictable, and modern — it’s how professionals compare in JavaScript.
Related Videos
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I ever use == ?
Avoid it. Always use === unless you explicitly need type coercion.
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