Are double and single quotes interchangeable in JavaScript?

Quote preferences and considerations

While a string does not discriminate between being enclosed within single or double quotes, style guides and personal preference are often the determining factors of which one to use. Consistency is the tortoise that wins the race in this scenario.

However, JSON is rather picky and insists on only double quotes. It's its party and it can cry if it wants to.

{ "strict": "Double quotes or bust!" }
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String content and escaping

If your string includes either single or double quotes, be a good host and wrap it in the opposite guest so no escaping is needed. Keeping quotes happy means less backslashes in your life.

let goldenRule = "Isn't it easier without escapes?";
let comicLine = 'Did someone say "JavaScript"?';
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JavaScript appreciates good manners!

ES6 template literals - Jack of all trades

ES6 brought in a third musketeer, template literals. With these cheeky little backticks ( ), you'll be a master juggler of variables and multiline strings without breaking a sweat!

let hobby = "coding";
let message = `Keep calm and love ${hobby}!`; // Variable interpolation: A coder's dream come true!
let haiku = `JavaScript, oh sweet,
You make my life complete,
Escape from the heat.`; // Multiline strings: Allowing us to break free from the tyranny of '\n' since 2015.
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Dual-wield consistency and flexibility

While it's crucial to wield consistency, having the flexibility to switch between single and double quotes based on the content of your string can make your life simpler, and your code cleaner.

Performance and browser compatibility

In the early ages of browser wars, there were whispers that quote type could affect performance. Today, these rumors are about as relevant as Internet Explorer 6. But hey, be aware and test your code across diverse environments. One day, you might get a time-traveling user.

The third wheel - Template literals

Template literals, with their fancy backtick ``, not only play well with variable and multiline strings, they also have no issues with single or double quotes within them. Literally, the three musketeers of string notation!

let bookTitle = "ES6 and Beyond";
let quote = `She said, "I can't get enough of '${bookTitle}'!"`; // The crowd goes wild!
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Advantages of double quotes

For speakers of languages like HTML, XML, or JSON, double quotes feel right at home. If your JavaScript needs to get cozy with these, double quotes might feel more natural.

Use quotes wisely

While single and double quotes might seem interchangeable (and they are), the context, content of your string, and whether you're interacting with other APIs or programs, can all influence your choice of quotes.