Why won’t the comment box clear when submit is clicked?

Question

https://code.sololearn.com/WPv3y6p3czzr/?ref=app
When I used document.getElementById(‘commentBox’).value = “”;
The comment box clears just fine after clicking submit.
But when I use
var comments = document.getElementById(commentBox).value;
comments = “”;
It doesn’t work. I thought these two were the same thing. Please help. I’m now sure what it is I’m missing here.

Answer 1

because comment is just a string, not the reference
You have to write:
document...(commentBox).value = "";