Difference between CallExpression and MemberExpression

Question

What is the difference? I looked at the ECMAScript specification, but did not understand. The real code examples that would help much.

If you can explain every line here it would be nice

MemberExpression : 
 PrimaryExpression 
 FunctionExpression
 MemberExpression [ Expression ] 
 MemberExpression . IdentifierName 
CallExpression : 
 MemberExpression Arguments
 CallExpression Arguments 
 CallExpression [ Expression ] 
 CallExpression . IdentifierName

For example

console.log - MemberExpression: MemberExpression . IdentifierName
console.log("hi") - CallExpression : MemberExpression Arguments

What is will be equal

CallExpression : CallExpression . IdentifierName
CallExpression [ Expression ]
CallExpression : CallExpression Arguments 

Link for ES http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/5.1/#sec-11.2

Answer 1

• func() is a CallExpression
• thing.func is a MemberExpression
  • thing is the object of the MemberExpression
  • func is the property of the MemberExpression
• thing.func() is a MemberExpression within a CallExpression
  • thing.func is the callee of the CallExpression

Source: astexplorer.net.

• MaximPro: Can you give me explanations with this ecma-international.org/ecma-262/5.1/#sec-11.2 (about every line MemberExpression and CallExpression) Especially MemberExpression [ Expression ] and CallExpression [ Expression ] or MemberExpression . Expression and CallExpression . Expression
• Patrick Roberts: They're defining the grammar of various Expressions by enumerating what other expressions they can encompass. If you want to learn what they all mean, refer to the AST specification of a JavaScript parser such as babylon.

Answer 2

The relevant parts here are

NewExpression:
 MemberExpression
 new NewExpression
LeftHandSideExpression:
 NewExpression
 CallExpression

which distinguishes the three major left hand side expressions:

• constructor calls
• function/method calls
• primary expressions

And all of them with member accesses in the right places. As such, the difference between the productions you listed is just that a CallExpression always contains a call - and may therefore not be part of the expression after a newoperator.

• MaximPro: Explain to me the difference between MemberExpression . IdentifierName and CallExpression . IdentifierName
• MaximPro: I readed it! But can you give me example for CallExpression . IdentifierName or CallExpression Arguments I don't imagine this, how it will be (MemberExpression . IdentifierName or MemberExpression Arguments I do imagine it).
• Bergi: @MaximPro member().callProperty and member()() (vs member.memberProperty and member()).
• MaximPro: Interesting. MemberExpression Arguments - Its CallExpression Right?
• Bergi: Yes, that's what your question says: CallExpression : MemberExpression Arguments