JavaScript Why use spread operator in this react program? What does it do?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shivajikobardan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Operator Program
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on the use of the spread operator in JavaScript, particularly within the context of React.js. The user describes a program flow where a button click triggers a function that updates the state from an empty array to an array containing an object. The user seeks clarity on the purpose of the spread operator, noting that while they understand its basic function from MDN documentation, they struggle to apply it in practical scenarios. The spread operator, represented by three dots (...), is explained as a means to create new arrays or objects by combining existing ones without altering the originals. Examples illustrate how it can merge arrays and objects effectively. The spread operator is highlighted as a valuable tool in React for passing props and creating shallow copies. The user acknowledges that their understanding was enhanced by consulting ChatGPT and references relevant documentation for further learning.
shivajikobardan
Messages
637
Reaction score
54
TL;DR
spread operator in react js.
Code for this is here:

https://codesandbox.io/s/floral-frog-7zfon3

I got the general idea of program flow in this case.

First user clicks a button, then function gets called, that function in turn updates the state from initial [] state to [{id:1,value:0.12232}]. Now the array map accesses the value and displays in a list.

But I don't understand why did we use spread operator there. If I remove spread operator, I can see the difference, but I'm not understanding what spread operator is doing here enough to apply the concept of spread operator in other projects.

I have learnt about spread operator from MDN docs already.
 
Technology news on Phys.org
The spread operator is actually a part of javascript ES6 not react.js

However, the spread operator in React.js is used to spread an array of values or the properties of an object into a new array or object. It is represented by three dots (...).

Here is an example of how the spread operator can be used in React.js to create a new array that combines two existing arrays:

JavaScript:
const array1 = [1, 2, 3];
const array2 = [4, 5, 6];

const combinedArray = [...array1, ...array2];
// combinedArray is now [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

The spread operator can also be used to spread the properties of an object into a new object:

JavaScript:
const obj1 = { a: 1, b: 2 };
const obj2 = { c: 3, d: 4 };

const combinedObject = { ...obj1, ...obj2 };
// combinedObject is now { a: 1, b: 2, c: 3, d: 4 }

The spread operator is a useful tool for creating new arrays or objects that are based on existing ones, without modifying the original arrays or objects. It is often used in React.js to pass props from a parent component to a child component or to make a shallow copy of an object or array.

References:


MENTOR Note: I got most of this answer by asking ChatGPT about the spread operator for react.js and asking it to cite references

My citation reference is::

 
thank you
 
Anthropic announced that an inflection point has been reached where the LLM tools are good enough to help or hinder cybersecurity folks. In the most recent case in September 2025, state hackers used Claude in Agentic mode to break into 30+ high-profile companies, of which 17 or so were actually breached before Anthropic shut it down. They mentioned that Clause hallucinated and told the hackers it was more successful than it was...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K