Exploring the concept of array declaration in JavaScript

I am exploring different ways to create arrays in JavaScript and would like to understand the fundamental differences between two methods. I am also interested in knowing if there is a performance gap between these two "styles"

var array_1 = new Array("fee","fie","foo","fum");
var array_2 = ['a','b','c'];

for (let i=0; i<array_1.length; i++){
  console.log(array_1[i])
}

for (let i=0; i<array_2.length; i++){
  console.log(array_2[i])
}

Answer №1

Both notations achieve the same result. Here are some advantages of using the [] notation:

  • It is shorter.
  • In case someone redefines the Array symbol, it will still work.
  • There is no confusion when defining a single entry. For example, if you use new Array(3), it could be misinterpreted as [3]. In reality, it creates an array with a length of 3 and no entries.
  • It may be slightly faster in certain JavaScript implementations because it doesn't require looking up the Array symbol like new Array does. However, this difference is unlikely to have a significant impact in normal use cases.

Overall, there are several reasons to choose [].

On the other hand, here are some advantages of using new Array:

  • You can specify the initial length of the array, for example: var a = new Array(3);

However, I personally haven't found a need for this approach in years, especially after realizing that arrays aren't true arrays and pre-allocation is unnecessary. If needed, you can always achieve the same result by doing this instead:

var a = [];
a.length = 3;

Answer №2

When it comes to how you use them, there is no distinction.

The main variation in usage lies in providing an integer parameter to new Array(), which establishes the initial length of the array (something that cannot be achieved with the [] array-literal notation). Nevertheless, both methods create identical objects for your specific scenario.

Answer №3

The comparison on JSPerf between array literal form and constructor reveals that the former tends to be quicker on certain browsers without being slower on any.

It's important to note that this performance discrepancy is specific to different browser implementations, so it's recommended to conduct your own tests on your target platforms.

Answer №5

In my opinion, the performance of both methods is comparable since they ultimately result in the creation of an "Array object". Once you begin utilizing the array, the operational mechanism remains unchanged. While I am uncertain about the variance in construction mechanisms for the arrays (in terms of performance), it is unlikely that there would be any significant advantages in using one approach over the other.

Similar questions

If you have not found the answer to your question or you are interested in this topic, then look at other similar questions below or use the search

Deactivating an emitted function from a child component in Angular 4

There is a main component: @Component({ selector: 'app-root', templateUrl: './app.component.html', styleUrls: ['./app.component.css'] }) export class AppComponent { funcBoo():void{ alert("boo"); //return fal ...

Capture the item selected from the dropdown using ng-model to retrieve the name instead of the

I need help getting the name/text/html of the selected option in a dropdown using angular.js, rather than just its value. Currently, I have this setup which retrieves the value: Here is my HTML code snippet <select class="SelectCar" ng-model="Selected ...

transform the generic string list into a JavaScript array in the Handler

Looking to convert this list into an array so that I can access it on the client side with JS and loop through its values. At the end of one of my .ashx methods, a list is returned like this: equipmentTypes is a list of strings _httpContext.Resp ...

The slider feature is not set to automatically slide on its own

I need help creating a JavaScript slider that includes next and previous buttons. The functionality for these buttons is working properly, but I also want the slides to transition automatically. <link rel="stylesheet" href="http://www.w3schools.com/l ...

Different Approaches to Printing

I've been attempting to output the contents of a method (purchase(String isbn, double price, int copies)), but I'm hitting a wall. Unfortunately, I haven't had any success with the current code below: import java.util.Scanner; import jav ...

Issue with Array in Constant Contact PHP API

I am currently working on automating the process of adding a contact to a Constant Contact list when a form is submitted. I started with the addOrUpdateContact sample code that utilizes the Constant Contact v2 API. However, upon submitting the form, I enco ...

Running a JavaScript file from Docker to fill a MongoDB database is not working when using the WSL shell on Windows 10

I'm facing some issues while trying to populate my MongoDB using a script. Every time I run the script, I encounter errors even though the Docker container is up and running. For reference, I'm on Windows 10 using WSL shell. https://i.stack.img ...

Is it possible to update JavaScript on mobile devices?

I'm currently working on a mobile site where I've implemented JavaScript to refresh a message counter. However, despite having JavaScript enabled on the device, the counter doesn't update on my Nokia e90. Interestingly, it works perfectly fi ...

An issue occurred with a malformed JSON string when attempting to pass JSON data from AngularJS

I am facing an issue with passing a JSON string in an ajax request. Here is the code snippet: NewOrder = JSON.stringify (NewOrder); alert (NewOrder); var req = { url: '/cgi-bin/PlaceOrder.pl', method: 'POST&apo ...

What is the best way to build a Div structure using a JavaScript Array?

I am currently attempting to create a simple div construct based on a JavaScript array. However, my current approach only displays the last group/element of the array. What adjustments need to be made in order to generate a repeating div construct for each ...

Guide to updating information in Firestore using Node.js, embedded in a map array

Encountered an issue with the following error message: Error: Unable to access 'set' property of undefined. I am attempting to update the endTime field in my script for each user, calculate total hours worked, and then update the 'totalTi ...

After a mere 10 seconds, the cookie is still fresh and ready to indulge in

I recently created a cookie with the intention of having it expire after 10 seconds. Unfortunately, it seems to be persisting even after closing the browser. Below is the code I used to create the cookie. setcookie('attempt','', time( ...

Iterate over a JSON object to calculate the total sum of values based on distinct nested properties

Here is a JSON object that contains cost and author information. I am working on this in Express.js and using Underscore. [ { "Cost": 250, "author": { "id": "2", "name": "Joe", "workId": "5" } }, { ...

JavaScript form validation for uploading files with a specific name

I need to create a validation in Javascript that restricts users from uploading files with specific names. The fileupload control allows users to upload multiple files at once. Here is the html code for the fileupload control: <asp:FileUpload runat=" ...

What is the best way to transmit a JavaScript array to a servlet via AJAX?

Within a textarea, users input one or more email addresses separated by commas. Here is my JavaScript code: var emails = $("#emails").val().split(","); if (emails.length == 0) { window.alert("Please enter an email address."); ...

The Javascript functionality does not seem to be functioning properly within the Bootstrap navigation

I'm having an issue with my Bootstrap navbar JavaScript. Below is the code that's causing the problem: <script type="text/javascript"> $(".nav a").on("click", function () { $(".nav").find(".active").removeClass("active"); $(this).p ...

Acquire the current audio video stream directly from the web browser

Currently, I am utilizing a JavaScript library that internally invokes getUserMedia. My objective is to access the stream object that has already been initiated. Unfortunately, the library does not provide any means to retrieve it. Is there a method avai ...

Combining byte array values with VBA

This is the specific question I am referencing: PBKDF2 Excel UDF and how to concatenate INT(i) The original poster (OP) did not include the code for his "ConcatenateArrayInPlace" function, which he used in his own solution to the problem. I am attempting ...

Is it possible to implement a Promise.some() function that includes a timeout

Scenario - collect multiple URLs and cache the responses. URLs that are processed quickly (e.g. within 500ms) are included in the current pass, while those that take longer are still cached for use in the next round (approximately 10 minutes later in our a ...

Transfer data in scripts to dynamically load Ajax pages

Is there a way to send variables or parameters from the original page to a script tag on another page that is loaded using jQuery Ajax? Here are the scripts: Page 1 <script> $(function(){ $('#button').click(function(){ $.ajax({ type:"P ...