Considerations for switching JavaScript modes

Switching the JavaScript mode for an application or script might change the behavior of existing scripts. Review some examples of behavior changes before switching JavaScript modes or to troubleshoot any issues that you experience after switching.

For more information about each JavaScript mode, see JavaScript modes and JavaScript engine feature support.

This table highlights how JavaScript behavior has evolved from the lenient and error-prone pre-ES5 environment, to the stricter and more predictable ES5, and lastly the more feature-rich environment of ES12 (ECMAScript 2021).

Table 1. Behavioral differences in JavaScript modes

Feature	Compatibility Mode	ES5 Standards Mode	ECMAScript 2021 (ES12)
Arguments object	The arguments object exists, but there's no strict mode, so modifications reflect on arguments. Prints: *** Script: [object Arguments] *** Script: [object Arguments] *** Script: [object Arguments] *** Script: 123	In strict mode, the arguments object doesn’t reflect parameter modifications and throws an error. Prints: sn_es5: 123 sn_es5: undefined sn_es5: [object Arguments] sn_es5: 123	The same as ES5.
Boolean overrides	Primitive Booleans (true, false) can be overridden, causing unexpected behavior.	Primitive Booleans are more protected, though still can be overridden when assigned to variables.	The same as ES5, but strict mode helps prevent some assignments. The conditional expression should be written in this form: (cond_expr instanceof Boolean ? cond_expr.valueOf() : cond_expr).
Exception for syntax errors	Syntax errors throw exceptions at runtime. Error handling is inconsistent. Example: Javascript compiler exception: unterminated string literal (null.null.script; line 1) in: var b = '	More consistent syntax error handling, especially in strict mode. Example: Evaluator: com.glide.script.RhinoEcmaError: unterminated string literal script : Line(1) column(9) ==> 1: var b = '	The same as ES5, but with more robust handling and clearer error messages in updated engines. Example: SyntaxError: Unterminated string constant at line 1 ==> 1: var b = '
Increment and decrement	Allowed on variables but could behave unexpectedly with complex expressions. Prints: *** Script: c: 1 *** Script: gr.related_incidents: 1 *** Script: 2 *** Script: 3	Improved clarity, but still allowed on variables (var, let, const). Prints: sn_es5: c: 0 sn_es5: gr.related_incidents: 1 sn_es5: 1 sn_es5: 2	The same as ES5, with stricter rules in some contexts (for example, const).
Line continuations	Allowed with a backslash (\) but discouraged due to readability issues. In this example, all three functions are called. var expr = doFoo(); // do foo doBar(); // do bar finish(); // all done eval(expr);	Same as Compatibility mode; no change in handling line continuations. In the previous example, ES5 only calls the first function and treats everything after the first comment including the newline as comment until the expression end.	The same as ES5, but template literals provide a more readable alternative.
Missing semicolons	Automatic semicolon insertion (ASI) often led to unexpected behavior.	Throws a syntax error when a semicolon is missing.	The same as ES5. Updated practices encourage explicit semicolons.
Non-existent functions	Calling a non-existent function throws a ReferenceError.	Throws a TypeError if a non-function is called.	Throws an EcmaError when a non-existent function is called or a property is referenced.
Non-existent properties	Accessing a non-existent property returns undefined; no error thrown.	Same as pre-ES5.	The same as Compatibility mode and ES5 Standards mode.
Numeric literals	Basic decimal and hexadecimal literals.	Introduced stricter parsing rules and better handling of numeric literals.	Added binary (0b), octal (0o), and BigInt literals (123n).
Reserved keyword as property	Using reserved keywords isn't possible.	Reserved keywords can be used as property names without error, for example, obj.for. Prints the object when returned.	The same as ES5.
Treat let and yield as keywords	let and yield aren’t keywords and can be used as identifiers only.	let is introduced as a keyword. yield is reserved in strict mode.	Both are keywords. Using them as identifiers throws syntax errors.