JavaScript: why is my async function returning a Promise instead of the value?

Question

I have `const data = getData();` where getData is `async`, and `data` logs as `Promise { <pending> }` instead of the value. How do I get the resolved value?

IT-QA Assistant · Accepted Answer

*AI-drafted answer — reviewed for correctness. Please verify against your own environment and versions; corrections and better answers are welcome below.*

Every `async` function returns a Promise — that's the definition. `getData()` hands you a Promise immediately, before the work inside finishes. You have to wait for it.

Inside another async function, use `await`:
```js
async function main() {
  const data = await getData(); // pauses until the promise resolves
  console.log(data);            // the actual value
}
```
At the top level of a module (ESM), top-level await works directly:
```js
const data = await getData();
```
If you're somewhere you can't use `await` (a non-async function), use `.then`:
```js
getData().then(data => console.log(data));
```

The conceptual fix: you can't get an async value *synchronously*. `const data = getData()` and expecting the value is like ordering food and expecting it to already be on the table — you get a receipt (the Promise) now, and the food (the value) later. `await` is you waiting at the counter.

JavaScript: why is my async function returning a Promise instead of the value?

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