array = [] vs array.length = 0
Written byPhuoc Nguyen
Created
02 Jun, 2020
Last updated
25 Aug, 2020
Category
JavaScript
There are two ways to empty an array:
js
arr.length = 0;
// Or assign it to an empty array
arr = [];
#Difference
Setting
`arr = []`
creates a new array and doesn't affect other references.js
let foo = ['hello', 'world'];
// Add a reference
let bar = foo;
foo = [];
// `bar` isn't affected
console.log(bar); // ['hello', 'world']
On the other hand,
`arr.length = 0`
modifies the array. All references are affected.js
let foo = ['hello', 'world'];
let bar = foo;
foo.length = 0;
// `bar` is affected
console.log(bar); // []
#Good to know
-
There is another, less popular approach to empty an array:jsarr.splice(0, arr.length);This method affects other references. Since
`.splice`
returns an array of removed items, you can get a copy of original array by assigning the result to a new variable:jslet foo = ['hello', 'world'];// Empty and create a copy of `foo`let bar = foo.splice(0, foo.length);console.log(foo); // []console.log(bar); // ['hello', 'world'] -
If the array is declared as a constant, then you can't reassign it to
`[]`
.jsconst foo = [1, 2, 3];foo = []; // will throw an exception of// "Assignment to constant variable"foo.length = 0;
Questions? 🙋
Do you have any questions about front-end development? If so, feel free to create a new issue on GitHub using the button below. I'm happy to help with any topic you'd like to learn more about, even beyond what's covered in this post.
While I have a long list of upcoming topics, I'm always eager to prioritize your questions and ideas for future content. Let's learn and grow together! Sharing knowledge is the best way to elevate ourselves 🥷.
Recent posts ⚡
Newsletter 🔔
If you're into front-end technologies and you want to see more of the content I'm creating, then you might want to consider subscribing to my newsletter.
By subscribing, you'll be the first to know about new articles, products, and exclusive promotions.
Don't worry, I won't spam you. And if you ever change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Phước Nguyễn