Mastering the minN Function in JavaScript

Introduction

In this lab, we will explore the minN() function in JavaScript, which returns the n minimum elements from an array. We will learn how to use Array.prototype.sort() and Array.prototype.slice() methods to create a shallow clone of the array, sort it in ascending order, and get the specified number of elements. By the end of this lab, you will have a better understanding of how to manipulate arrays in JavaScript using these methods.

Skills Graph

%%%%{init: {'theme':'neutral'}}%%%% flowchart RL javascript(("JavaScript")) -.-> javascript/AdvancedConceptsGroup(["Advanced Concepts"]) javascript(("JavaScript")) -.-> javascript/BasicConceptsGroup(["Basic Concepts"]) javascript/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/variables("Variables") javascript/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/data_types("Data Types") javascript/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/arith_ops("Arithmetic Operators") javascript/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/comp_ops("Comparison Operators") javascript/AdvancedConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/spread_rest("Spread and Rest Operators") subgraph Lab Skills javascript/variables -.-> lab-28505{{"N Min Elements"}} javascript/data_types -.-> lab-28505{{"N Min Elements"}} javascript/arith_ops -.-> lab-28505{{"N Min Elements"}} javascript/comp_ops -.-> lab-28505{{"N Min Elements"}} javascript/spread_rest -.-> lab-28505{{"N Min Elements"}} end

Function to Return N Minimum Elements of an Array

To practice coding, open the Terminal/SSH and type node. Use the minN function to return the n minimum elements from an array.

Here's how to use the function:

Use Array.prototype.sort() and the spread operator (...) to create a shallow clone of the array and sort it in ascending order.
Use Array.prototype.slice() to get the specified number of elements.
If you omit the second argument, n, the function will return a one-element array.
If n is greater than or equal to the length of the provided array, the function will return the original array, sorted in ascending order.

const minN = (arr, n = 1) => [...arr].sort((a, b) => a - b).slice(0, n);

Here are some examples:

minN([1, 2, 3]); // [1]
minN([1, 2, 3], 2); // [1, 2]

Summary

Congratulations! You have completed the N Min Elements lab. You can practice more labs in LabEx to improve your skills.