JavaScript Reserved Words

In JavaScript, reserved words (also called keywords) are words that have special meaning in the language syntax. These words are used to define language constructs—such as loops, conditions, and functions—and cannot be used as identifiers, such as variable names, function names, or object property keys (in some cases).

Using a reserved word incorrectly will lead to syntax errors or unexpected behavior. This tutorial covers everything you need to know about JavaScript reserved words to avoid these issues.

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What Are Reserved Words?

Reserved words are words that JavaScript has already defined for its own use. They are part of the language grammar and are used to perform specific functions.

Examples:

• if, else, for, while, function
• return, break, continue, switch
• var, let, const, class

You cannot use them as variable or function names:

javascriptCopyEdit// ❌ Invalid
let if = 5;        // SyntaxError
function return() {}  // SyntaxError

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Categories of Reserved Words

1. JavaScript Keywords

These are used to perform built-in operations:

javascriptCopyEditbreak, case, catch, class, const, continue,
debugger, default, delete, do, else, export,
extends, finally, for, function, if, import,
in, instanceof, let, new, return, super,
switch, this, throw, try, typeof, var,
void, while, with, yield

Each of these words plays a specific role. For example:

• if, else – Conditional logic
• for, while – Loops
• function, return – Defining and controlling functions
• let, const, var – Declaring variables

2. Future Reserved Words

These are not used in the language now but may be in future versions. Avoid using them to prevent future compatibility issues.

javascriptCopyEditenum, implements, interface, package, private,
protected, public, static, await

Some of these words are reserved only in strict mode (more on that later).

3. Literals

Literals represent fixed values and are also considered reserved:

javascriptCopyEdittrue, false, null

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ECMAScript Versions and Reserved Words

JavaScript is standardized under ECMAScript (ES). Different versions have introduced new reserved words:

• ES5 (2009) added strict mode and reserved more keywords.
• ES6 (2015) introduced class, const, let, yield, and super.

Note: Even if a reserved word isn’t in use today, it may become one in the future. It’s a good idea to avoid any word that looks like a language feature.

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Strict Mode and Reserved Words

Strict mode ("use strict";) enables stricter parsing and error handling in JavaScript. In strict mode, even more words are reserved.

Example:

javascriptCopyEdit"use strict";
let implements = 5; // SyntaxError in strict mode

To enable strict mode:

javascriptCopyEdit"use strict";

This is useful for catching errors early, including incorrect use of reserved words.

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Avoiding Reserved Word Issues

✅ Do This:

Use descriptive and unique names for variables and functions.

javascriptCopyEditlet userName = "Alice";
function getUserProfile() {
  // code here
}

❌ Don’t Do This:

javascriptCopyEditlet class = "Math";      // ❌ SyntaxError
function export() {}     // ❌ SyntaxError
const let = 10;          // ❌ SyntaxError

These will throw errors because class, export, and let are reserved.

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Reserved Words in Object Keys

You can use reserved words as object keys (in non-strict situations), but it’s still not recommended:

javascriptCopyEditconst obj = {
  if: "condition",
  return: "value"
};

console.log(obj.if); // Works, but not ideal

Best practice: Use descriptive and non-reserved names to avoid confusion.

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Complete List of Reserved Words (ES6+)

textCopyEditbreak, case, catch, class, const, continue,
debugger, default, delete, do, else, export,
extends, finally, for, function, if, import,
in, instanceof, let, new, return, super,
switch, this, throw, try, typeof, var,
void, while, with, yield,
enum, await, implements, package, protected,
interface, private, public, static

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Conclusion

Understanding JavaScript reserved words is essential for writing valid and error-free code. These keywords are reserved by the language for specific tasks, and misusing them can break your programs.

To summarize:

• Reserved words have special meaning and cannot be used as names.
• JavaScript enforces these rules strictly—especially in "use strict" mode.
• Avoid reserved words in variables, functions, and class names.
• Use clear, descriptive identifiers instead.

By avoiding reserved words and using meaningful names, you’ll write cleaner, more maintainable JavaScript code.