That is how it evaluates, not what the original author intended in the example in the OP. return a === b ?? c; The intent was const bOrDefault = b ??

That is how it evaluates, not what the original author intended in the example in the OP. return a === b ?? c; The intent was const bOrDefault = b ?? c; return a === bOrDefault; You posted the actual (buggy) evaluation. I agree that its better if that is what you intend.