What is ESNext?

Question

I've come across the term ESNext, and wondering it is the same as the ECMAScript.

So, I have these questions here:

• What is ESNext, actually?
• Does it refer to any specific version of ECMAScript?

Answer 1

What is ESNext, actually?

It varies depending on who's using the term, usually "the next" version of ECMAScript (JavaScript). For instance, when I first wrote this answer in June 2019, if someone said "ESNext" they might be talking about ES2019 plus BigInt, dynamic import, and other features that had recently reached Stage 4 of the process, or they might even have been talking about those plus some advanced Stage 3 proposals. As of this update in April 2020, they'd be talking about the recently-agreed ES2020 and perhaps things like top-level await, WeakRefs, and logical assignment operators. It varies.

Does it refer to any specific version of EcmaScript?

No, it usually refers to a constantly moving target just beyond the current snapshot specification.

But again, it varies a bit by who's using it.