Javascript array reset not giving desired output

Question

I used the method described here:

to reset an array in my code.

My code is such

var check = new Array();
var i = 0;

if(some statements){
    check[i]=something;
    i=+1;
}

function reset(){
    check.length=0;
}

After executing of if statement, if I console.log(), the array is displayed as such

["abc","def","ghi"]. Then the reset function is called.

After that, the next time the array is used, it logs as follows:

[1: "abc", 2: "def", ...]

What can I do to make it reset to original empty array?

I think it's `i+=1;` too. I don't think you can have it round the other way. — Andy, Jan 15 '14 at 14:24
possible duplicate of [How to empty an array in JavaScript?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1232040/how-to-empty-an-array-in-javascript) — Zach Saucier, Jan 15 '14 at 14:26

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 15 '14 at 14:25

5

You can simplify your whole code using:

var check = [];

if(some statements)
{
    check.push(something);
}

function reset()
{
    check = [];
}

It may be better to refactor your code though. check may be out of scope inside the function, so you should try:

var check = [];

if(some statements)
{
    check.push(something);
}

function reset()
{
    return [];
}

check = reset();

answered Jan 15 '14 at 14:25

BenM

While `check = []` will definitely *clear* the array, it does so by creating an entirely new array; if there are any references to the original one, this will break them... – newfurniturey Jan 15 '14 at 14:26
The problem seems to be that `check.length = 0;` is apparently not working for the OP (when it should), but you haven't explained why. – j08691 Jan 15 '14 at 14:27
Exactly. Nevertheless, I fixed it by resetting the variable `i`. – Newtt Jan 15 '14 at 14:28
But you don't need to use the `i` variable at all? – BenM Jan 15 '14 at 14:28

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 15 '14 at 15:17

0

Try this:

function reset() {
  check.splice(0, check.length);
}

answered Jan 15 '14 at 15:17

this will retain the same array, only the elements will be discared – Jan 15 '14 at 15:18

2 Answers2