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Difference between ES5 and ES6

Last Updated : 20 Aug, 2024
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ECMAScript (ES) is a standardized scripting language specification developed by Ecma International. It serves as the foundation for JavaScript and many other scripting languages. Over time, different versions of ECMAScript have been released, with ES5 (ECMAScript 5) and ES6 (ECMAScript 6) being two of the most significant. ES5, released in 2009, focused on enhancing JavaScript’s functionality and performance, while ES6, released in 2015, introduced major new features and improvements that revolutionized the way JavaScript is written today.

ECMAScript 5 (ES5P)

ES5 is also known as ECMAScript 2009 as it was released in 2009. It is a function contractors focus on how the objects are instantiated. For ES5 you have to write a function keyword and return, it to be used to define the function, like in normal general JavaScript language. 

ECMAScript 6 (ES6)

ES6 is also known as ECMAScript 2015 as it was released in 2015. Its class allows the developers to instantiate an object using the new operator, using an arrow function, in case it doesn’t need to use the function keyword to define the function, also return keyword can be avoided to fetch the computer value. 

Difference between ES5 and ES6

ES5ES6
ECMA script is a trademarked scripting language specification defined by Ecma International. The fifth edition of the  same is known as ES5ECMA script is a trademarked scripting language specification defined by Ecma International. The sixth edition of the same is known as ES6 
It was introduced in 2009.It was introduced in 2015.
It supports primitive data types that are string, number, boolean, null, and undefined. In ES6, there are some additions to JavaScript data types. It introduced a new primitive data type 'symbol' for supporting unique values.
There is only one way to define the variables by using the var keyword.There are two new ways to define variables that are let and const.
It has a lower performance as compared to ES6.It has a higher performance than ES5.
Object manipulation is time-consuming in ES5.Object manipulation is less time-consuming in ES6.
In ES5, both function and return keywords are used to define a function.An arrow function is a new feature introduced in ES6 by which we don't require the function keyword to define the function.
It provides a larger range of community support than that of ES6It provides a smaller range of community support than ES5.


Conclusion

ES5 and ES6 represent significant stages in the evolution of JavaScript, each contributing uniquely to the language’s capabilities. ES5 brought stability and solidified best practices, while ES6 introduced modern programming features like arrow functions, classes, and better variable management through let and const. As the web continues to evolve, understanding the differences between these two versions is crucial for developers who aim to write efficient, maintainable, and future-proof code.


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