Question

Why JSLint report in code:

function cos(a) {
    var b = 0;
    if (a) {
        b = 1;
    }
    else {
        b = 2;
    }

    return b;
}

error:

Problem at line 6 character 5: Expected exactly one space between '}' and 'else'.

This error can be turned off by disabling Tolerate messy white space option of JSLint.

Or in other words — why syntax:
} else { is better then

...
}
else {
...

Google also uses syntax with } else { form.

But I don’t understand why. Google mentioned ”implicit semicolon insertion”, but in context of opening {, not closing one.

Can Javascript insert semicolon after closing } of if block even if next token is else instruction?

Sorry that my question is a bit chaotic — I tried to think loud.

Answer 1

JSLint is based on Crockford’s preferences (which I share in this case).

It’s a matter of opinion which is “better”.

(Although clearly his opinion is right 😉