Array Prototype ForEach

Problem Statement

The task is to implement a method forEach that enhances all arrays in JavaScript, allowing the method to be called as array.forEach(callback, context). This method should perform a function, callback, on each element of the array without returning any value. The method is distinctive because it processes each element based on a function defined by the user, and it allows for an optional context (context) to be passed which changes the meaning of this within the callback function.

The callback function receives three arguments:

• currentValue - the current element of the array being processed.
• index - the position of currentValue within the array.
• array - the array itself, which can be manipulated or accessed wholly.

The context parameter alters the function context inside the callback, referring to the object passed. The enhancement involves implementing this feature from scratch without relying on the built-in array methods.

Examples

Example 1

Input:

arr = [1,2,3],
callback = (val, i, arr) => arr[i] = val * 2,
context = {"context":true}

Output:

[2,4,6]

Explanation:

arr.forEach(callback, context) 
console.log(arr) // [2,4,6]
The callback is executed on each element of the array.

Example 2

Input:

arr = [true, true, false, false],
callback = (val, i, arr) => arr[i] = this,
context = {"context": false}

Output:

[{"context":false},{"context":false},{"context":false},{"context":false}]

Explanation:

arr.forEach(callback, context) 
console.log(arr) // [{"context":false},{"context":false},{"context":false},{"context":false}]
The callback is executed on each element of the array with the right context.

Example 3

Input:

arr = [true, true, false, false],
callback = (val, i, arr) => arr[i] = !val,
context = {"context": 5}

Output:

[false,false,true,true]

Constraints

• arr is a valid JSON array
• context is a valid JSON object
• fn is a function
• 0 <= arr.length <= 105

Approach and Intuition

The aim here is to simulate the behavior of the built-in Array.prototype.forEach method but from scratch. Let's break down the approach using the provided examples:

1. Implement Custom forEach Function:

   • The method will iterate over each element of the array.
   • It invokes the callback function for each element, passing currentValue, index, and array as arguments.
   • Ensure this within callback is bound to the context if provided.

2. Application Insight from Examples:

   • Example 1: Multiplies each element by 2. The context isn't utilized in the transformation of the array elements. This shows how values can be modified in place.
   • Example 2: Regardless of the array content (booleans), every element in the array is replaced with the context object. This demonstrates the use of the context in transforming array entries.
   • Example 3: Uses logical negation to flip boolean values. Although context is provided, it doesn’t influence the result, illustrating that context use is optional depending on callback functionality.

From observing the examples:

• The function should handle arrays of any length, ranging from empty to a very large number of elements (up to 105).
• Different types of values (booleans, integers) and modifications (conditional, direct assignment, mathematical operations) showcased in examples imply that the callback function needs to be flexible.
• Successful context manipulation highlights the significance of correctly binding this inside callback.

Overall, the implementation of a forEach method is about effectively iterating over array elements, providing flexibility in processing through callback, and properly managing execution context with context. This customized approach emphasizes JavaScript's robust handling of functions as first-class objects and showcases dynamic binding of this.

Solutions

Array.prototype.iterate = function(handler, ctx) {
    const origin = this;
    function deepIter(i) {
        if (i === origin.length) {
            return;
        }
        handler.call(ctx, origin[i], i, origin);
        deepIter(i + 1);
    }

    deepIter(0);
};