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JavaScript•JavaScript Foundations

The JavaScript Ternary Operator

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Example

If the value of age is

< 18, set the value of text to "Minor", otherwise to "Adult"

let text = (age < 18) ?  "Minor" : "Adult";

Example

let isMember = true;
let discount = isMember ? 0.2 : 0;

Example

let isMember = false;
let discount = isMember ? 0.2 : 0;

Description

The conditional operator is a shorthand for writing conditional if...else statements.

It is called a ternary operator because it takes three operands.

Syntax

( condition ) ? expression1

expression2

Parameters

Parameter

Description condition

Required. The condition to be tested. An expression that evaluates to true or false. ? Required. The operator separating the condition from the expressions. expression1 Required.

The value to return if the condition is true.

Required. The operator separating the expressions. expression2 Required.

The value to return if the condition is false.
The conditional (ternary) operator is the only JavaScript operator that takes three operands.

Browser Support

() ? x : y is an ES1 feature (JavaScript 1997). It is fully supported in all browsers:

Chrome

IE

Edge

Firefox

Safari

Opera

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

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JavaScript Assignment

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JavaScript While Loops