Behaviour of a functions arguments list

suggest change

arguments object behave different in strict and non strict mode. In non-strict mode, the argument object will reflect the changes in the value of the parameters which are present, however in strict mode any changes to the value of the parameter will not be reflected in the argument object.

function add(a, b){
    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // Prints : 1,2

    a = 5, b = 10;

    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // Prints : 5,10
}

add(1, 2);

For the above code, the arguments object is changed when we change the value of the parameters. However, for strict mode, the same will not be reflected.

function add(a, b) {
    'use strict';

    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // Prints : 1,2

    a = 5, b = 10;

    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // Prints : 1,2
}

It’s worth noting that, if any one of the parameters is undefined, and we try to change the value of the parameter in both strict-mode or non-strict mode the arguments object remains unchanged.

Strict mode

function add(a, b) {
    'use strict';

    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // undefined,undefined 
                                             // 1,undefined
    a = 5, b = 10;

    console.log(arguments[0], arguments[1]); // undefined,undefined
                                             // 1, undefined
}
add();
// undefined,undefined 
// undefined,undefined

add(1)
// 1, undefined
// 1, undefined

Non-Strict Mode

function add(a,b) {

    console.log(arguments[0],arguments[1]);

    a = 5, b = 10;

    console.log(arguments[0],arguments[1]);
}
add();
// undefined,undefined 
// undefined,undefined

add(1);
// 1, undefined
// 5, undefined

Found a mistake? Have a question or improvement idea? Let me know.

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