Best way to Swapping in JavaScript

Have you ever needed to swap the values of two variables in JavaScript?

While it may seem simple at first, directly swapping the values (head = tail and tail = head) can lead to unexpected results, causing the loss of one of the original values.
In this article, we'll explore the significance of temporary variables and how they help preserve data integrity during variable swaps.

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1. The Challenge of Direct Value Swapping

Consider the following scenario:

let head = 10;
let tail = 20;

When attempting to swap the values directly:

head = tail;
tail = head;

The result is surprising:
After this code executes, both head and tail have the value 20. Unfortunately, the original value of head (10) is lost. Let's explore a better solution to this problem.

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2. The Role of Temporary Variables

To avoid data loss and ensure a proper swap, we introduce the concept of temporary variables. A temporary variable acts as a placeholder to store one of the original values before the swap takes place.

let temp = head;
head = tail;
tail = temp;

Let's break this down:

• We store the original value of head (10) in temp.
• We assign the original value of tail (20) to head.
• Finally, we assign the value stored in temp (10) back to tail.

Now, after the swap:

• head has the value 20.
• tail has the value 10.

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3. The Significance of Using Temporary Variables

Using temporary variables ensures the preservation of data integrity during variable swaps. By temporarily storing one of the original values, we can safely exchange the values without losing any information. This technique is widely used across programming languages and is considered a best practice.

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4. Conclusion

Swapping the values of two variables may seem trivial, but it's crucial to consider the potential loss of data when doing so directly. By utilizing temporary variables, we can safeguard against data loss and maintain the integrity of the original values. Remember to apply this technique whenever you need to exchange variable values in JavaScript.

We hope this article has shed light on the significance of temporary variables and their role in efficient variable swapping in JavaScript. Happy coding!

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About Muhmmad:

Muhmmad is a passionate software engineer with a knack for problem-solving and a deep love for data structures. With years of experience in the field, Muhmmad enjoys exploring the intricacies of JavaScript and sharing knowledge with fellow developers. You can find more of Muhmmad's insightful articles and coding adventures on LinkedIn Profile.

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Comments

[Julio Fagundes]

Simple and clearly solution for beginners! Nice done Muhmmad.

// If you want to go deep, destructuring assignment is also a good way
[head, tail] = [tail, head]

[Mohammed Awad]

thanks, ChatGPT told me that wrong with primitive type like number. and [a, b] = [b, a] will not work and it's use jsut for swaping array elemnts . but now you and other told me that. I checked by self and saw that ChatGPT wrong . wow

[Jon Randy 🎖️]

[a, b] = [b, a]

No temporary variable needed.

[Mohammed Awad]

thanks, ChatGPT told me that wrong with primitive type like number. and [a, b] = [b, a] will not work and it's use jsut for swaping array elemnts . but now you and other told me that. I checked by self and saw that ChatGPT wrong . wow

[Jon Randy 🎖️]

ChatGPT is frequently wrong. I'd trust it as far as I could throw it - with programming, and almost anything TBH

[codingjlu]

You should never do this in real life, but these are great for confusing your colleagues (only works on integers).

👍

x += y
y = x - y
x -= y

😎

x *= y
y = x / y
x /= y

🤯

x ^= y
y ^= x
x ^= y

[Ashish Khare😎]

Now here is the real treasure 😉
Great one.

[codingjlu]

I agree; the only benefit there is saving the memory for 8 bytes or the like. Speed wise it's found lacking.

[Panayiotis Georgiou]

very good 😀

[Mohammed Awad]

glad to hear that

[Ashish Khare😎]

The comment section is on fire 🔥.

[Mohammed Awad]

🔥🔥🔥

[Visakh Vijayan]

Like the effort

[Mohammed Awad]

thank you

[Mohammed Awad]

sometimes It's simplified hard lectures. If I didn't understand something I ask his to expalin it for me . but from now on I will careful with every answer I get from him

[Mohammed Awad]

You are 100% right

[Mohammed Awad]

Do you like the article or just swap? :)