Grouping operator

The grouping operator ( ) controls the precedence of evaluation in expressions.

Syntax

JavaScript
( )

Description

The grouping operator consists of a pair of parentheses around an expression or sub-expression to override the normal operator precedence so that expressions with lower precedence can be evaluated before an expression with higher priority.

Examples

Overriding multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction to evaluate addition first.

JavaScript
var a = 1;
var b = 2;
var c = 3;

// default precedence
a + b * c     // 7
// evaluated by default like this
a + (b * c)   // 7

// now overriding precedence 
// addition before multiplication   
(a + b) * c   // 9

// which is equivalent to
a * c + b * c // 9

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
ECMAScript 2017 Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The Grouping Operator' in that specification.
Draft  
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The Grouping Operator' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The Grouping Operator' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The Grouping Operator' in that specification.
Standard Initial definition. Implemented in JavaScript 1.0.

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

License

© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/javascript/reference/operators/grouping

JavaScript Operator operator Primary Expressions