What does the 'minified' version of a JavaScript file typically exclude?

The 'minified' version of a JavaScript file is primarily designed to reduce file size and improve loading times. This process involves removing unnecessary elements that do not affect the functionality of the code when it is executed. In particular, comments and whitespace are excluded during minification.

Comments are added for human readability and do not contribute to the execution of the script, so they can safely be removed without altering how the code functions. Additionally, excess whitespace, such as spaces, tabs, and newlines, is also stripped away because they add to the file size without affecting the logic or operation of the code. The result is a more compact version of the original file, which can be loaded and parsed faster by browsers.

The other options, such as functions and variables, are integral to the functionality of the code and remain intact in the minified file. Similarly, global variables are not excluded as they are necessary for the execution of the script. Syntax errors cannot be present in a properly minified file, as these would prevent the code from functioning correctly. Thus, the correct understanding of what is excluded in a minified JavaScript file is that it omits comments and whitespace.