ECMAScript 2016 (ES7)

Welcome to TheCodingCollege.com! ECMAScript 2016 (commonly known as ES7) was a smaller update compared to its predecessor, ES6. Released in June 2016, it introduced two impactful features that simplified certain coding patterns and improved JavaScript’s utility.

Let’s explore:

  • What ES7 introduced to JavaScript.
  • Practical use cases for its new features.
  • Why these updates are essential for modern developers.

What’s New in ECMAScript 2016?

Though ES7 introduced only two main features, their impact is significant. Here’s a quick overview:

  1. The Array.prototype.includes() Method
  2. The Exponentiation Operator (**)

1. Array.prototype.includes()

The .includes() method allows developers to check if an array contains a specific value. This is a simpler and more readable alternative to the traditional indexOf() method.

Syntax:

array.includes(valueToFind, startIndex);
  • valueToFind: The value you want to search for in the array.
  • startIndex (optional): The position in the array to start searching from. Defaults to 0.

Example:

const fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"];

console.log(fruits.includes("banana")); // true
console.log(fruits.includes("grape"));  // false
console.log(fruits.includes("cherry", 2)); // true
console.log(fruits.includes("apple", 1));  // false

Why Use .includes()?

  • Improved Readability: Easier to understand compared to indexOf().
  • Handles NaN Correctly: Unlike indexOf(), .includes() can detect NaN. 
const numbers = [1, 2, NaN];
console.log(numbers.includes(NaN)); // true
console.log(numbers.indexOf(NaN));  // -1 (does not work properly)

2. The Exponentiation Operator (**)

The exponentiation operator simplifies raising numbers to a power, replacing Math.pow().

Syntax:

base ** exponent;
  • base: The number to be raised.
  • exponent: The power to which the base is raised.

Example:

console.log(2 ** 3); // 8
console.log(5 ** 2); // 25
console.log(10 ** -1); // 0.1

Why Use the Exponentiation Operator?

  • Cleaner Syntax: Shorter and more intuitive than Math.pow(). 
console.log(Math.pow(2, 3)); // Traditional method
console.log(2 ** 3);        // Modern ES7 method
  • Consistent with Other Operators: Works seamlessly with assignment operators. 
let num = 2;
num **= 3; // Equivalent to num = num ** 3
console.log(num); // 8

Why Are ES7 Features Important?

  • Simplicity and Clarity: These additions streamline JavaScript code, making it easier to read and maintain.
  • Foundation for Future Updates: ES7 laid the groundwork for subsequent ECMAScript releases, emphasizing incremental but impactful changes.
  • Universal Browser Support: These features are now supported in all modern browsers and JavaScript environments.

Learn ECMAScript 2016 with TheCodingCollege.com

At TheCodingCollege.com, we’re committed to helping developers stay updated with JavaScript’s evolution. Whether you’re just starting or want to deepen your knowledge of JavaScript versions, we’ve got you covered!

Conclusion

While ECMAScript 2016 was a relatively small update, its features—.includes() and the exponentiation operator—enhance the simplicity and power of JavaScript programming.

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