Determine the minimum and maximum values in a JavaScript array

Other Questions JavaScript
1

What is the best method to retrieve the minimum or maximum value from an array in JavaScript? For instance, consider this code snippet: let myArray = [70, 20, 90]; console.log(findMinimum(myArray)); // Expected output: 20; console.log(findMaximum(myArray)); // Expected output: 90.

2

To retrieve the minimum or maximum value from an array in JavaScript efficiently, you can use the Math.min and Math.max functions combined with the spread operator. This method is direct and highly effective for small to moderately sized arrays.

let myArray = [70, 20, 90];

const findMinimum = (arr) => Math.min(...arr);
const findMaximum = (arr) => Math.max(...arr);

console.log(findMinimum(myArray)); // Expected output: 20
console.log(findMaximum(myArray)); // Expected output: 90

Using the spread operator (...) allows you to pass all elements of the array as individual arguments to the Math.min and Math.max functions. This approach is highly efficient and optimized for clarity and conciseness, minimizing time complexity and improving readability.

3

An alternative approach to finding the minimum and maximum values within a JavaScript array is by leveraging the reduce method. This offers a great understanding of traversing arrays, especially for those looking to deepen their grasp of functional programming patterns in JavaScript.

let myArray = [70, 20, 90];

const findMinimum = (arr) => arr.reduce((acc, val) => (val < acc ? val : acc), Infinity);
const findMaximum = (arr) => arr.reduce((acc, val) => (val > acc ? val : acc), -Infinity);

console.log(findMinimum(myArray)); // Expected output: 20
console.log(findMaximum(myArray)); // Expected output: 90

The reduce method allows us to iterate over each element of the array to determine the minimum and maximum values manually. It accepts a callback function where you compare each element, updating the accumulator when a new minimum or maximum is found. This method is beneficial when you also wish to apply additional logic or transformations to elements during the search process.

Though potentially less concise than using Math.min or Math.max with the spread operator, the reduce approach provides flexibility and deeper insights into the workings of JavaScript arrays.

4

For a more manual approach, you can loop through the array to find the min and max values. This method doesn't rely on built-in functions.

let myArray = [70, 20, 90];

const findMinimum = (arr) => {
    let min = arr[0];
    for (let i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) {
        if (arr[i] < min) min = arr[i];
    }
    return min;
};

const findMaximum = (arr) => {
    let max = arr[0];
    for (let i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) {
        if (arr[i] > max) max = arr[i];
    }
    return max;
};

console.log(findMinimum(myArray)); // Expected output: 20
console.log(findMaximum(myArray)); // Expected output: 90