Deleting Array Elements in Javascript – Delete Vs Splice

When working with arrays in JavaScript, you may often come across the need to delete elements from an array. Two commonly used methods for deleting array elements are delete and splice. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two methods and provide code snippets for each solution.

The delete method

The delete method is a simple way to remove an element from an array. However, it does not update the array length and leaves an empty space at the deleted index.

Here’s an example:

let fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'orange'];

delete fruits[1];

console.log(fruits); // Output: ['apple', empty, 'orange']

The splice method

The splice method allows you to remove elements from an array and update the array length accordingly. It also shifts the remaining elements to fill the empty space.

Here’s an example:

let fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'orange'];

fruits.splice(1, 1);

console.log(fruits); // Output: ['apple', 'orange']

Which method should you use?

The choice between delete and splice depends on your specific requirements. If you want to keep the array length intact and maintain the order of the elements, splice is the way to go. On the other hand, if you don’t mind having an empty space at the deleted index, delete can be a simpler option.

It’s important to note that both methods modify the original array. If you want to create a new array without the deleted elements, you can use the filter method:

let fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'orange'];

let filteredFruits = fruits.filter((fruit, index) => index !== 1);

console.log(filteredFruits); // Output: ['apple', 'orange']

By using the filter method, we create a new array that excludes the element at the specified index.

Now that you understand the differences between delete and splice, you can choose the method that best suits your needs when deleting array elements in JavaScript.