How to Best Deep Copy an Array of Interconnected Objects in JavaScript?

Copying Array of Interconnected Objects

When working with complex data structures, such as arrays of objects with references to other objects within the same array, creating a true deep copy can be challenging. Let's explore various approaches:

Creating a Deep Copy with structuredClone

The modern solution for deep copying is using structuredClone():

array2 = structuredClone(array1);

This method supports a wide range of data types and is supported by most browsers.

Creating a Deep Copy with JSON.parse

For objects with JSON-serializable content, a simple one-line solution is:

let clonedArray = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(nodesArray))

However, it has limitations with non-serializable content and performance issues compared to other methods.

Creating a Deep Copy with the Spread Operator

If your array contains shallow objects, the spread operator combined with .map() can be used for a fast and efficient deep copy:

clonedArray = nodesArray.map(a => ({...a}));

This method outperforms JSON.parse significantly.

Considerations

• Performance: The performance of deep copying can vary depending on the size and complexity of your data structures. Benchmarking different approaches is recommended.
• Compatibility: structuredClone() requires a relatively new browser version. If compatibility is a concern, use alternative methods.
• Serialization vs. Cloning: If your objects need to be sent over the network, you may want to consider serialization instead of cloning.

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