What are the differences between JavaScript's Array.slice() and Array.splice() methods?
Richard W

JavaScript'sArray.slice() andArray.splice() are both array methods that allow you to extract or modify elements from an array, but they have some fundamental differences in terms of their behavior and the effect they have on the original array. Here are the main differences between them: 1. Purpose and Functionality: -Array.slice(): This method returns a shallow copy of a portion of an array into a new array, without modifying the original array. It allows you to extract a range of elements from the original array based on the specified start and end indices. -Array.splice(): This method changes the content of an array by removing or replacing existing elements and/or adding new elements. It modifies the original array in place and returns an array containing the removed elements. 2. Modifying the Original Array: -Array.slice(): It does not modify the original array. The original array remains unchanged. -Array.splice(): It modifies the original array by adding, removing, or replacing elements. 3. Return Value: -Array.slice(): It returns a new array containing the extracted elements. The original array remains intact. -Array.splice(): It returns an array containing the removed elements. If no elements are removed, it returns an empty array. The original array is modified. 4. Arguments and Usage: -Array.slice(): It takes two optional arguments:start andend. Ifstart is omitted, it defaults to the beginning of the array. Ifend is omitted, it defaults to the end of the array. It extracts the elements fromstart toend-1. -Array.splice(): It takes multiple arguments, includingstart,deleteCount, and optionalitems.start specifies the index at which to start modifying the array.deleteCount specifies the number of elements to remove. It can be 0, which means no elements are removed.items is an optional parameter representing the elements to be added to the array. 5. Usage Examples: -Array.slice() example:

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     const fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date'];
     const slicedFruits = fruits.slice(1, 3);
     console.log(slicedFruits); // Output: ['banana', 'cherry']
     console.log(fruits); // Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date']

-Array.splice() example:

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     const fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date'];
     const removedFruits = fruits.splice(1, 2, 'grape', 'kiwi');
     console.log(removedFruits); // Output: ['banana', 'cherry']
     console.log(fruits); // Output: ['apple', 'grape', 'kiwi', 'date']

In summary,Array.slice() is used to extract a portion of an array into a new array without modifying the original, whileArray.splice() is used to modify the original array by adding, removing, or replacing elements. Understanding the differences between these methods will help you choose the appropriate one based on your requirements.

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