What are arrow functions in JavaScript?

Arrow functions in JavaScript provide a shorthand syntax for declaring functions, offering a more concise way to write function expressions. They eliminate the need for the function keyword, allowing you to define functions in a simpler manner, such as (parameters) => { // function body }.

One of the main benefits of arrow functions is that they do not have their own this context, which is helpful in scenarios where you want to maintain the context of this from the surrounding code. This makes them particularly useful in methods that require callbacks, such as event handlers or array methods like map and filter.

Other options do not accurately describe arrow functions. While standard functions are indeed written with the traditional syntax, this does not capture the unique characteristics of arrow syntax. The assertion that they cannot return values is incorrect; arrow functions can return values just like regular functions. Lastly, the claim that they can only be used in classes is false, as arrow functions can be utilized in any context where functions are applicable. Thus, the succinctness and specific context-binding behavior of arrow functions highlight why the correct characterization is as a shorthand syntax for writing functions.