Mastering Array Shuffling with the Fisher-Yates Algorithm

Introduction

In this lab, we will explore the Fisher-Yates algorithm and its implementation in JavaScript. Specifically, we will be focusing on shuffling arrays using this algorithm. By the end of this lab, you will have a better understanding of how the Fisher-Yates algorithm works and how it can be used to randomize the order of elements in an array.

Skills Graph

%%%%{init: {'theme':'neutral'}}%%%% flowchart RL javascript(("JavaScript")) -.-> javascript/BasicConceptsGroup(["Basic Concepts"]) javascript(("JavaScript")) -.-> javascript/AdvancedConceptsGroup(["Advanced 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/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/loops("Loops") javascript/BasicConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/array_methods("Array Methods") javascript/AdvancedConceptsGroup -.-> javascript/spread_rest("Spread and Rest Operators") subgraph Lab Skills javascript/variables -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/data_types -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/arith_ops -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/comp_ops -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/loops -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/array_methods -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} javascript/spread_rest -.-> lab-28615{{"Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm"}} end

Array Shuffling Algorithm

To shuffle an array in JavaScript, use the Fisher-Yates algorithm. This algorithm reorders the elements of the array randomly and returns a new array.

To start practicing coding, open the Terminal/SSH and type node.

Here's the code for the Fisher-Yates algorithm:

const shuffle = ([...arr]) => { let m = arr.length; while (m) { const i = Math.floor(Math.random() * m--); [arr[m], arr[i]] = [arr[i], arr[m]]; } return arr; };

To shuffle an array, pass the array to the shuffle function and it will return the shuffled array. For example:

const foo = [1, 2, 3]; shuffle(foo); // returns [2, 3, 1], and foo is still [1, 2, 3]

Shuffling Arrays with Fisher-Yates Algorithm

Introduction

Skills Graph

Array Shuffling Algorithm

Summary