JavaScript template literals use backticks instead of single or double quotes. They make it easier to embed expressions, write multiline strings, and build readable dynamic text without string concatenation.
Template literals are common in logs, HTML strings, SQL-like text, and UI messages. They also help when a string needs both text and computed values in one expression, especially when you later clean or inspect text with JavaScript trim or JavaScript string contains.
Tested on: Node.js v20.18.2. A short note after each runnable snippet describes what you should see in the console.
Quick reference
| Feature | Syntax |
|---|---|
| Embed values | `Hello ${name}` |
| Multiline | Close only with closing backtick; newlines are preserved |
| Literal backtick | \` inside the template |
| Literal dollar-brace | Prefix $ with \ (e.g. \${not an expression}) or use a normal quoted string for that segment |
| Tagged | tag`a ${x} b` calls tag with cooked strings + values |
Method 1: Embed expressions in a template literal
Use ${...} so any expression is evaluated and coerced to string inside the larger template.
const name = "GoLinuxCloud";
const lang = "JavaScript";
console.log(`Welcome to ${name} for ${lang}`);You should see one line: Welcome to GoLinuxCloud for JavaScript.
Method 2: Write a multiline string
Line breaks inside the backticks become real newline characters in the resulting string.
console.log(`first line
second line`);You should see two lines: first line, then second line.
Method 3: Escape backticks and expression markers
Backticks inside the template must be escaped with \``. If you need a literal ${sequence in output, escape the$` or build that part with normal string concatenation.
const text = `Use \`backticks\` for template literals.`;
console.log(text);You should see one line: Use backticks for template literals. (with actual backtick characters around the word backticks).
This matters when you generate shell snippets, documentation text, or code examples that must preserve literal template syntax.
Method 4: Build dynamic messages cleanly
Readable interpolation beats long + chains when several variables participate in one sentence.
const user = "Ana";
const score = 42;
console.log(`${user} scored ${score} points`);You should see one line: Ana scored 42 points.
Method 5: Tagged templates
A tag function receives the static “cooked” string pieces and the evaluated expression values; return whatever string you want.
function tag(strings, value) {
return strings[0] + value.toUpperCase();
}
console.log(tag`hello ${"world"}`);You should see one line: helloWORLD.
Tagged templates are useful for formatting, escaping, and specialized string processing.
Common questions about template literals in JavaScript
What are template literals in JavaScript?
Template literals are strings written with backticks that support embedded expressions and multiline content.
Are template literals the same as string concatenation?
No. They solve the same problem more cleanly and support expressions directly inside the string.
Can I use template literals in JSX?
Yes, but JSX has its own syntax rules. Use template literals when you need dynamic strings inside JavaScript expressions.
Are template literals better than string concatenation?
Usually yes, because they are easier to read and reduce quoting mistakes when the string combines variables, expressions, and line breaks.
Summary
JavaScript template literals are the standard way to build readable strings with backticks, embedded expressions, and multiline text. They reduce string concatenation, make dynamic values easier to read, and support advanced patterns such as tagged templates when you need custom string handling or literal text that must keep its formatting.
