Using quotes around property names is essential when dealing with reserved words in JavaScript, such as for, in, function, etc. This prevents any confusion and syntax errors that may arise from using these keywords as property names.
Additionally, if you need to include spaces in your property names, it is necessary to enclose them in quotes. However, if your property names are simple and straightforward, without any potential conflicts or spaces, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred syntax.
Another scenario where quotes are required is when using JavaScript minifiers like Google Closure Compiler. These tools tend to replace all property names unless they are enclosed in quotes. By using quotes, you can ensure that your properties remain intact even after minification, which is crucial when exporting objects in a library or utilizing parameter objects.