Why does typeof null show 'object' in JavaScript?

Question

While learning about data types in JavaScript, I came across something puzzling. Using the typeof operator on null gives the result 'object'.
For example:

console.log(typeof null); // Output: 'object'

I was expecting it to return 'null' or something similar. Why is null classified as an object in JavaScript? Is this behavior intentional, or is it a bug in the language design? I'd appreciate any insights into this.

Answer 1

It is actually a historical bug from days of old when javascript was first assigning the typeof to data types and null was assigned as an object. The original creators chose not to " fix it " verses saying undefined or NAN. It has remained as is ... You can ofcourse Google this as well as other bugs left unfixed but that's the reason null has remained as an object through the decades...