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JavaScript JavaScript Loops, Arrays and Objects Tracking Data Using Objects The Student Record Search Challenge Solution

Posted by bill curry
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bill curry
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 7,841 Points

Why does this code not work if my 'missing person' is entered last?

My while loop works fine if i enter a student not in the database (non-student) and hit 'quit'. (I get my sorry message)

It also works if i enter a non-student name followed by a student name (I get the sorry message followed by the existing student's info.)

However, if i enter the student followed by the non-student, it only shows the existing student's info BUT no sorry message.

Can any help me amend this code so it works both ways(or suggest a cleaner approach)? Thanks

while (true) {
  search = prompt("Search student records: Type a name[Jody] or (type 'quit' to end)");
  if (search.toLowerCase() === 'quit' || search === null) {
  break;
  }
  for (var i = 0; i < students.length; i++) {
    student = students[i];
    if (student.name.toLowerCase() === search) {
      message += getStudentReport(student);
      print(message);
    } 
  }  
  if (message === '') {
        message = 'Sorry, ' + search + ' is not in class';
        print(message);
  }
}

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,261 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,261 Points

You're accumulating "message" and checking to see if it is empty to generate the "sorry" response. So when any data has been previously found a "miss" is not detected.

One way to fix this is by setting a boolean before each search, changing it's value on a find, and then after the search loop testing it instead of the contents of "message".