In Programming, What Is an Expression? [Closed]

I've Googled this question, and searched on SO, however I can't seem to get a straight answer.

Is this question so basic no-one has thought to ask it yet?

Can someone please explain what exactly an "expression" is in programming.

Also I program primarily in Javascript, if the definition varies in JS could you please also highlight the difference?

2

In Javascript:

An expression is any valid unit of code that resolves to a value.

Conceptually, there are two types of expressions: those that assign a value to a variable and those that simply have a value.

The expression x = 7 is an example of the first type.
This expression uses the = operator to assign the value seven to the variable x. The expression itself evaluates to seven.

The code 3 + 4 is an example of the second expression type.
This expression uses the + operator to add three and four together without assigning the result, seven, to a variable.

JavaScript has the following expression categories:

  • Arithmetic: evaluates to a number, for example 3.14159. (Generally uses arithmetic operators.)
  • String: evaluates to a character string, for example, "Fred" or "234". (Generally uses string operators.)
  • Logical: evaluates to true or false. (Often involves logical operators.)
  • Object: evaluates to an object. (See special operators for various ones that evaluate to objects.)"

Source:

here is Microsoft's explanation of expressions in .NET

2

to me the following Wikipedia-article is completely clear:

If you have a look at the link in the bottom of the article, the term statement (or "expressions statement") is clarified, too.

Just my 2 ct.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

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