Introducing a Better Way to Replace Array Values in JavaScript! 🚀

I have been using splice method to replace array values but recently learned a newer way for this purpose, thus sharing it with the rest.

Out with the Old 🕰️ - Splice Method

Let's take a look at the newer way of replacing values in an array using the splice method:

const initialFruits = ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍊", "🍓"];
const newFruits = [...initialFruits];
newFruits.splice(3, 1, "🍍");
console.log(initialFruits);
// ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍊", "🍓"]
console.log(newFruits);
// ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍍", "🍓"]

Not only is this approach cumbersome, but it also lacks the clarity we crave in modern JavaScript development. 😩

In with the New 🆕 - With Method

Now, Let's take a look at the traditional way of replacing values in an array using the with method:

const initialFruits = ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍊", "🍓"];
const newFruits = initialFruits.with(3, "🍍");
console.log(initialFruits);
// ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍊", "🍓"]
console.log(newFruits);
// ["🍎", "🍌", "🍇", "🍍", "🍓"]

I found this method much more clearer than the older one. Let me know your thoughts. =)

Happy coding! 🎉💻✨

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Comments

[Michael Tharrington]

Nice on, Shameel! 🔥

[Shameel Uddin]

Thanks! =D

[lionel-rowe]

Not only is this approach cumbersome, but it also lacks the clarity we crave in modern JavaScript development. 😩

It's true the API is a little cumbersome (often you want to either remove elements or add them, not do both in the same operation), but the main issue with it is in-place mutation. Sometimes that can be useful, but more often than not you want a copy of the array instead.

Array#with isn't a drop-in immutable replacement for Array#splice; it only covers the Array#splice(existingIndex, 1, singleReplacement) case. It's a much better API for that use case, but not as versatile as Array#splice.

There is now a drop-in immutable replacement though, which is called Array#toSpliced. It has an identical API to Array#splice, except it doesn't mutate the original array and returns the copied array with modifications.