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Accessing Object Properties: Dot vs. Bracket Notation

JavaScript: The Complete '0 to Hero' Beginner Course

63. Accessing Object Properties

There are two main ways to retrieve data stored in an object.

1. Dot Notation (Preferred)

This is the simplest way to access a property, assuming the property name is a valid, continuous identifier.

javascript const car = { make: 'Honda', model: 'Civic' };

console.log(car.make); // Output: Honda

2. Bracket Notation

Bracket notation ([]) is required when:

  1. The property name contains spaces or special characters (must be quoted).
  2. You are using a variable to access the property key (Dynamic Access).

javascript const person = { 'full name': 'Alex Smith', city: 'Seattle' };

// Case 1: Key with space console.log(person['full name']); // Output: Alex Smith

// Case 2: Dynamic access using a variable let keyName = 'city'; console.log(person[keyName]); // Output: Seattle

Note: You cannot use dot notation with a variable (person.keyName would look for a property named 'keyName', not 'city').