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JavaScript JavaScript Array Iteration Methods Combining Array Methods Chaining Array Methods

Posted by nfs
nfs
35,526 Points

How does this work? Can I get an explanation?

In the teacher's notes:

const numbers = [1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 5, 5, 6, 7, 3, 8, 9, 10];

const unique = numbers.filter( (number, index, array) => { 
  return index === array.indexOf(number); 
});

console.log(unique);

Umm... I don't get it. This one really puzzled me.

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points

The indexOf method returns the index number of the first item that matches, so if the current index is equal to "indexOf", then this item must be the first of it's value in the array. The filter expression is true, so the item is included in the output array.

But if a second (or third, fourth, etc) item of the same value is encountered, the index value will not match, so the filter expression is false and the item is not included.

So in short, the filter expression is eliminating any duplicates.