JavaScript Optional Chaining

Written by Swapnil RajaPublished 24 Aug 2026

JavaScript optional chaining reads a nested property without throwing when part of the path is missing.

It is written as a question mark before the dot.

If anything along the path is missing, the whole expression gives undefined.

Example

javascript

const user = { name: "Ada" };

console.log(typeof user.address?.city);

Without the question mark this would throw an error.

With it, the result is undefined.

What is Optional Chaining?

?. checks whether the value before it is null or undefined.

PreviousJavaScript Object Spread NextJavaScript Nullish Coalescing

Complete Example

html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>JavaScript Optional Chaining</title>
</head>
<body>

  <h1>JavaScript Optional Chaining</h1>

  <p id="result"></p>

  <script>
    const users = [
      { name: "Ada", address: { city: "London" } },
      { name: "Alan" }
    ];

    let output = "";

    users.forEach(function (u) {
      output += u.name + ": " + (u.address?.city || "no city") + "<br>";
    });

    document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = output;
  </script>

</body>
</html>

JavaScript Optional Chaining

Example

What is Optional Chaining?

Syntax

The Problem It Solves

Example

Deep Paths

Example

With Arrays

Example

Calling a Method That May Not Exist

Example

It Only Checks null and undefined

Example

Complete Example

Try It Yourself

Important Points

Conclusion