What is the meaning of "$" sign in JavaScript

24    Asked by GloriaHoll in Java , Asked on Jul 22, 2025

The $ symbol in JavaScript is not a reserved keyword; it's simply a valid variable name. It's often used as a shorthand for functions, especially in libraries like jQuery, making code more concise and readable.

Answered by Naira

The $ sign in JavaScript might look confusing at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. It’s not a special operator or reserved keyword in JavaScript—it's just a valid character used in variable and function names.

In plain terms, $ is most commonly used as a naming convention. You’ll typically see it in libraries like jQuery, where the $ is used as a shortcut for selecting HTML elements or performing operations. For example:

  $('#myDiv').hide();

  • This line means "find the element with ID myDiv and hide it," using jQuery.
  • But outside of jQuery, developers might use $ in their own code for a variety of reasons:

Common Uses of $ in [removed]

  • jQuery: As mentioned, $ is an alias for the jQuery function.
  • Short Naming: It’s often used for short utility functions or variables (e.g., const $ = document.querySelector.bind(document);)
  • Indicating Special Variables: Some developers use $ as a prefix to signify something special, like a DOM element or observable in frameworks like Angular.
  • Template Literals: In template strings, ${} is used to insert variables inside strings (though $ in this case is part of the syntax, not a variable name):

const name = "Alice";
console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`);

So, while $ itself doesn’t have an inherent meaning in JavaScript, it has become a widely accepted convention in many contexts, especially in third-party libraries and frameworks.



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