Reference vs Syntax Error

Syntax Error

A syntax error occurs when you write code that violates JavaScript's language rules - essentially invalid code that can't be parsed. The code won't even run.

1// Syntax Error examples
2if (x === 5 {  // Missing closing parenthesis
3    console.log("Hello");
4
5let const = 5;  // Using reserved keyword as variable

Reference Error

A reference error occurs when you try to use or access a variable or function that doesn't exist or is out of scope. The code is valid JavaScript syntax, but refers to something undefined.

1// Reference Error examples
2console.log(undefinedVariable); // Variable doesn't exist
3
4function test() {
5  let x = 5;
6}
7console.log(x); // x is not accessible outside the function
8
9nonExistentFunction(); // Function doesn't exist

Resources

• SyntaxError - JavaScript | MDN
• ReferenceError - JavaScript | MDN