Skip to main content

JavaScript Array slice Method (Live Playground)

The slice method in JavaScript is used to extract a portion of an array and returns a new array.

Here is a simple example:

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let slicedNumbers = numbers.slice(1, 3);

console.log(slicedNumbers);
// Expected output: [2, 3]

In this example, slice(1, 3) extracts the elements starting from index 1 up to, but not including, index 3. It then returns these elements in a new array.

Live Playground, Try it Yourself

The slice method does not modify the original array:

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

numbers.slice(1, 3);

console.log(numbers);
// Expected output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

In the example above, even after calling slice, the numbers array remains unchanged.

Live Playground, Try it Yourself

Note that if you don't specify the end index, slice will extract elements from the start index to the end of the array:

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let slicedNumbers = numbers.slice(2);

console.log(slicedNumbers);
// Expected output: [3, 4, 5]

In this example, slice(2) extracts all elements starting from index 2 to the end of the array.

Live Playground, Try it Yourself

In conclusion, the slice method in JavaScript is a handy way to extract parts of an array without altering the original array. It's a useful tool for managing and manipulating arrays in various coding scenarios.

Practice using slice in different contexts to fully grasp its usefulness!