setting a variable equal to an array element

Question

setting a variable equal to an array element

While I was working on a problem, I encountered a situation that I was able to resolve, but I must admit, I don't fully comprehend how it works.

var array = [3, 6, 2, 56, 32, 5, 89, 32];
var largest = 0;
//Snippet of my code
for (var i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
    if (array[i] > largest) {
        largest = array[i];
    }
}

console.log(largest);

I'm unsure about how my array assigns a value to my variable within the if statement.

Could you explain why this alternative version doesn't produce the desired result?

array[i] = largest;

As someone who is relatively new to programming, I believe grasping fundamental concepts, no matter how small, is crucial for aspiring programmers to develop their skills effectively.

javascript arrays variables

Answer 1

Answer №1

if(array[i] > largest) {
           largest = array[i];
        }

array[i] is 3 and largest is 0 then when the condition is met

largest = array[i];

the value is assigned from right to left now the largest value becomes 3.

in the next cycle, if array[i] is 6, then 6 > 3 is true, so largest is updated to 6.

This process continues to find the largest number in the array.

Answer 2

if(array[i] > largest) {
           largest = array[i];
        }

array[i] is 3 and largest is 0 then when the condition is met

largest = array[i];

the value is assigned from right to left now the largest value becomes 3.

in the next cycle, if array[i] is 6, then 6 > 3 is true, so largest is updated to 6.

This process continues to find the largest number in the array.

Answer 3

Answer №2

It seems like there may be some confusion between programming assignment statements and mathematical equality statements.

Understanding Assignment and Equality

When you write largest = array[i] in your code, you are simply assigning the value of the element at position i in the array to the variable 'largest'. This does not change any values in the array itself.

On the other hand, if you were to write array[i] = largest, you would be attempting to update the value at position i in the array with the current value of the variable 'largest'.

Answer 4

It seems like there may be some confusion between programming assignment statements and mathematical equality statements.

Understanding Assignment and Equality

When you write largest = array[i] in your code, you are simply assigning the value of the element at position i in the array to the variable 'largest'. This does not change any values in the array itself.

On the other hand, if you were to write array[i] = largest, you would be attempting to update the value at position i in the array with the current value of the variable 'largest'.

Answer 5

Answer №3

This piece of code aims to find the maximum value in a specified array of values.

For example:

array[i] = largest;

This line of code would change the original input, which is not the desired outcome. The goal is to identify the highest value in the array without altering the input array itself.

Therefore, the correct approach is:

largest = array[i]

Because this method accurately locates the largest value without changing the original input.

Answer 6

This piece of code aims to find the maximum value in a specified array of values.

For example:

array[i] = largest;

This line of code would change the original input, which is not the desired outcome. The goal is to identify the highest value in the array without altering the input array itself.

Therefore, the correct approach is:

largest = array[i]

Because this method accurately locates the largest value without changing the original input.

Answer 7

Answer №4

When you set a value to a variable, remember that the variable should always be on the left side of the equals sign.

For example, this code assigns the value of array[i] to the variable largest:

largest = array[i];

However, if you reverse the order like this:

array[i] = largest;

You'll actually be putting the value of largest into the element array[i], resulting in unexpected behavior like zeros filling up your array.

Answer 8

When you set a value to a variable, remember that the variable should always be on the left side of the equals sign.

For example, this code assigns the value of array[i] to the variable largest:

largest = array[i];

However, if you reverse the order like this:

array[i] = largest;

You'll actually be putting the value of largest into the element array[i], resulting in unexpected behavior like zeros filling up your array.

Answer 9

Answer №5

Although this thread is old, I faced this issue today and wanted to share knowledge from Kyle Simpson to help other developers.

You don't know JS

Operator assignment has its own unique way of functioning. It evaluates the expression on the right side of "=" before assigning it to the left side. Understanding this process is crucial.

For example:

var array = [3, 6, 2, 56, 32, 5, 89, 32];
var largest = 0;
//My code
for (var i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
    if (array[i] > largest) {
        largest = array[i];
    }
}

console.log(largest);

Here, largest = array[i];

JavaScript evaluates the expression on the right and assigns it to the left

Enjoy exploring the book and experimenting with code.

Answer 10

Although this thread is old, I faced this issue today and wanted to share knowledge from Kyle Simpson to help other developers.

You don't know JS

Operator assignment has its own unique way of functioning. It evaluates the expression on the right side of "=" before assigning it to the left side. Understanding this process is crucial.

For example:

var array = [3, 6, 2, 56, 32, 5, 89, 32];
var largest = 0;
//My code
for (var i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
    if (array[i] > largest) {
        largest = array[i];
    }
}

console.log(largest);

Here, largest = array[i];

JavaScript evaluates the expression on the right and assigns it to the left

Enjoy exploring the book and experimenting with code.

setting a variable equal to an array element

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

Answer №5

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