Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases now! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Learning JavaScript Data Structures and Algorithms
Learning JavaScript Data Structures and Algorithms

Learning JavaScript Data Structures and Algorithms: JavaScript Data Structures and algorithms can help you solve complex development problems – learn how by exploring a huge range of JavaScript data types

eBook
$19.99 $28.99
Paperback
$48.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Learning JavaScript Data Structures and Algorithms

Chapter 2. Arrays

An array is the simplest memory data structure. For this reason, all programming languages have a built-in array data type. JavaScript also supports arrays natively, even though its first version was released without array support. In this chapter, we will dive into the array data structure and its capabilities.

An array stores a sequence of values that are all of the same data type. Although JavaScript allows us to create arrays with values from different data types, we will follow the best practices and consider that we cannot do that (most languages do not have this capability).

Why should we use arrays?

Let's consider that we need to store the average temperature of each month of the year of the city that we live in. We could use something like the following to store this information:

var averageTempJan = 31.9;
var averageTempFeb = 35.3;
var averageTempMar = 42.4;
var averageTempApr = 52;
var averageTempMay = 60.8;

However, this is not the best approach. If we store the temperature for only 1 year, we could manage 12 variables. However, what if we need to store the average temperature for more than 1 year? Fortunately, that is why arrays were created, and we can easily represent the same information mentioned earlier as follows:

averageTemp[0] = 31.9;
averageTemp[1] = 35.3;
averageTemp[2] = 42.4;
averageTemp[3] = 52;
averageTemp[4] = 60.8;

We can also represent the averageTemp array graphically:

Why should we use arrays?

Creating and initializing arrays

Declaring, creating, and initializing an array in JavaScript is as simple, as follows:

var daysOfWeek = new Array(); //{1}
var daysOfWeek = new Array(7); //{2}
var daysOfWeek = new Array('Sunday', 'Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday', 'Thursday', 'Friday', 'Saturday'); //{3}

We can simply declare and instantiate a new array by using the keyword new (line {1}). Also, using the keyword new, we can create a new array specifying the length of the array (line {2}). And a third option would be passing the array elements directly to its constructor (line {3}).

However, using the new keyword is not a best practice. If you want to create an array in JavaScript, simply use brackets ([]) like in the following example:

var daysOfWeek = [];

We can also initialize the array with some elements, as follows:

var daysOfWeek = ['Sunday', 'Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday', &apos...

Adding and removing elements

Adding and removing elements from an array is not that difficult; however, it can be tricky. For the examples we will use in this section, let's consider we have the following numbers array initialized with numbers from 0 to 9:

var numbers = [0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9];

If we want to add a new element to this array (for example, the number 10), all we have to do is reference the latest free position of the array and assign a value to it:

numbers[numbers.length] = 10;

Note

In JavaScript, an array is a mutable object. We can easily add new elements to it. The object will grow dynamically as we add new elements to it. In many other languages, such as C and Java, we need to determine the size of the array, and if we need to add more elements to the array, we need to create a completely new array; we cannot simply add new elements to it as we need them.

However, there is also a method called push that allows us to add new elements to the end of the array. We can add as...

Two-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays

At the beginning of this chapter, we used the temperature measurement example. We will now use this example one more time. Let's consider that we need to measure the temperature hourly for a few days. Now that we already know that we can use an array to store the temperatures, we can easily write the following code to store the temperatures over two days:

var averageTempDay1 = [72,75,79,79,81,81];
var averageTempDay2 = [81,79,75,75,73,72];

However, this is not the best approach; we can write better code! We can use a matrix (two-dimensional array) to store this information, where each row will represent the day and each column will represent every hourly measurement of the temperature:

var averageTemp = [];
averageTemp[0] = [72,75,79,79,81,81];
averageTemp[1] = [81,79,75,75,73,72];

JavaScript only supports one-dimensional arrays; it does not support matrices. However, we can implement matrices or any multidimensional array by using an array...

References for JavaScript array methods

Arrays in JavaScript are modified objects, meaning that every array that we create has a few methods available to be used. JavaScript arrays are very interesting because they are very powerful and have more capabilities available than the primitive arrays of other languages. This means that we do not need to write basic capabilities ourselves, such as adding and removing elements in/from the middle of the data structure.

The following is a list of the core available methods in an array object. We have covered some methods already.

Method

Description

concat

Joins multiple arrays and returns a copy of the joined arrays

every

Calls a function for every element of the array until false is returned

filter

Creates an array with each element that evaluates to true in the function provided

forEach

Executes a specific function on each element of the array

join

Joins all the array elements into a string

indexOf

Searches the array for...

Why should we use arrays?


Let's consider that we need to store the average temperature of each month of the year of the city that we live in. We could use something like the following to store this information:

var averageTempJan = 31.9;
var averageTempFeb = 35.3;
var averageTempMar = 42.4;
var averageTempApr = 52;
var averageTempMay = 60.8;

However, this is not the best approach. If we store the temperature for only 1 year, we could manage 12 variables. However, what if we need to store the average temperature for more than 1 year? Fortunately, that is why arrays were created, and we can easily represent the same information mentioned earlier as follows:

averageTemp[0] = 31.9;
averageTemp[1] = 35.3;
averageTemp[2] = 42.4;
averageTemp[3] = 52;
averageTemp[4] = 60.8;

We can also represent the averageTemp array graphically:

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Description

If you are a JavaScript developer or someone who has basic knowledge of JavaScript, and want to explore its optimum ability, this fast-paced book is definitely for you. Programming logic is the only thing you need to know to start having fun with algorithms.

What you will learn

  • Declare, initialize, add, and remove items from arrays, stacks, and queues
  • Create and use the most complex data structure, graphs, along with DFS and BFS algorithms
  • Grasp the power of linked lists, doubly linked lists, and circular linked lists
  • Store unique elements with hash tables, dictionaries, and sets
  • Explore the applications of binary trees and binary search trees
  • Sort data structures using bubble sort, selection sort, insertion sort, merge sort, and quick sort
  • Search elements in data structures using sequential sort and binary search
  • Understand the importance of big O notation, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Oct 27, 2014
Length: 218 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783554881
Category :
Languages :

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

Product Details

Publication date : Oct 27, 2014
Length: 218 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783554881
Category :
Languages :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 152.97
Object-Oriented JavaScript - Second Edition
$54.99
Mastering JavaScript Design Patterns
$48.99
Learning JavaScript Data Structures and Algorithms
$48.99
Total $ 152.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

11 Chapters
1. JavaScript – A Quick Overview Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Arrays Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Stacks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Queues Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Linked Lists Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Sets Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Dictionaries and Hashes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Trees Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Graphs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Sorting and Searching Algorithms Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.3
(24 Ratings)
5 star 62.5%
4 star 25%
3 star 4.2%
2 star 0%
1 star 8.3%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




IntegralBill May 20, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book is one of my favorite algorithm texts. It gets straight to the point providing you with examples of how the data structure or algorithm can be used and application of the algorithm in JavaScript. If you are studying algorithms in school, you're probably using the Cormen text or possibly Sedgewick's or Kleinberg's. Definitely recommend using this as a supplement for those texts.If you're not taking an algorithm class and want to see how to implement common data structures and algorithms in JavaScript, or you're looking to brush-up for a job interview, or you have some JavaScript background and want to improve your skills, definitely pick this up! The price is great as well.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Josh Goldberg Dec 02, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The book's title undersells it a little. The first chapter is a solid, concise introduction to using the language, and is followed by a series of chapters that each bring the reader into a better understanding of how to use both JavaScript and programming concepts in general. I see this book as a good companion for teaching Computer Science II level material in JavaScript. The examples are straightforward and logical, as are the explanations. It's hard to find fault with the book's approach to teaching because there's so little chaff to complain about. It simply teaches you what you need to know, which I found very refreshing.Overall, while the book isn't positioned as the be-all and end-all of understanding the JavaScript language, it is an overall excellent introduction to the language and implementing data structures in it.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Brent Farwick Feb 22, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I gave this 5 stars in spite of the considerable errata. The author does an excellent job of explaining the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms. If you're going to get a degree in CS, go ahead and pass on this book, but if like me, you discovered your love of computers too late in life, this is your ticket to penetrating some of the mystery surrounding terms like linked lists, hashes, binary trees and their traversals, queues, stacks, graphs, search algos, and sorting. I really wish there were more books like this. You can leave your math books on the shelf, the explanations and programs in this book are conceptual and explanatory. Lots of fun code to type in an play with -- of course you can just download all the code and copy paste, but there's a lot to be said for slowing down and typing it in -- as Donald Knuth said, "Information sinks into the brain at about the same rate it always has," or words to that effect. Some of the programs will make your head hurt. The author, Loiane Groner, can teach... not every writer can.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Sam chao Jun 04, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I got the item on time and it was the one I wanted.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Silvia Jul 01, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Clear and concise material, good for a beginner (with some knowledge) to get up to speed with the subject.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

How do I buy and download an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Where there is an eBook version of a title available, you can buy it from the book details for that title. Add either the standalone eBook or the eBook and print book bundle to your shopping cart. Your eBook will show in your cart as a product on its own. After completing checkout and payment in the normal way, you will receive your receipt on the screen containing a link to a personalised PDF download file. This link will remain active for 30 days. You can download backup copies of the file by logging in to your account at any time.

If you already have Adobe reader installed, then clicking on the link will download and open the PDF file directly. If you don't, then save the PDF file on your machine and download the Reader to view it.

Please Note: Packt eBooks are non-returnable and non-refundable.

Packt eBook and Licensing When you buy an eBook from Packt Publishing, completing your purchase means you accept the terms of our licence agreement. Please read the full text of the agreement. In it we have tried to balance the need for the ebook to be usable for you the reader with our needs to protect the rights of us as Publishers and of our authors. In summary, the agreement says:

  • You may make copies of your eBook for your own use onto any machine
  • You may not pass copies of the eBook on to anyone else
How can I make a purchase on your website? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you want to purchase a video course, eBook or Bundle (Print+eBook) please follow below steps:

  1. Register on our website using your email address and the password.
  2. Search for the title by name or ISBN using the search option.
  3. Select the title you want to purchase.
  4. Choose the format you wish to purchase the title in; if you order the Print Book, you get a free eBook copy of the same title. 
  5. Proceed with the checkout process (payment to be made using Credit Card, Debit Cart, or PayPal)
Where can I access support around an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • If you experience a problem with using or installing Adobe Reader, the contact Adobe directly.
  • To view the errata for the book, see www.packtpub.com/support and view the pages for the title you have.
  • To view your account details or to download a new copy of the book go to www.packtpub.com/account
  • To contact us directly if a problem is not resolved, use www.packtpub.com/contact-us
What eBook formats do Packt support? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Our eBooks are currently available in a variety of formats such as PDF and ePubs. In the future, this may well change with trends and development in technology, but please note that our PDFs are not Adobe eBook Reader format, which has greater restrictions on security.

You will need to use Adobe Reader v9 or later in order to read Packt's PDF eBooks.

What are the benefits of eBooks? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • You can get the information you need immediately
  • You can easily take them with you on a laptop
  • You can download them an unlimited number of times
  • You can print them out
  • They are copy-paste enabled
  • They are searchable
  • There is no password protection
  • They are lower price than print
  • They save resources and space
What is an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Packt eBooks are a complete electronic version of the print edition, available in PDF and ePub formats. Every piece of content down to the page numbering is the same. Because we save the costs of printing and shipping the book to you, we are able to offer eBooks at a lower cost than print editions.

When you have purchased an eBook, simply login to your account and click on the link in Your Download Area. We recommend you saving the file to your hard drive before opening it.

For optimal viewing of our eBooks, we recommend you download and install the free Adobe Reader version 9.