Filter method in Javascript

Introduction

The filter method helps you pick only the items you want from a list. It makes a new list with just those items.

When you want to find all even numbers from a list of numbers.

When you want to get all names that start with a certain letter.

When you want to remove unwanted items from a list, like expired products.

When you want to find all users who are active in a list of users.

Syntax

Javascript

array.filter(function(element) {
  return condition;
});

The filter method creates a new array with all elements that pass the test in the function.

The function inside filter should return true to keep the element, or false to skip it.

Examples

This keeps only even numbers from the list.

Javascript

const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const evens = numbers.filter(num => num % 2 === 0);

This keeps names that start with 'A'.

Javascript

const names = ['Anna', 'Bob', 'Alice', 'Brian'];
const aNames = names.filter(name => name.startsWith('A'));

This keeps only products that are not expired.

Javascript

const products = [
  {name: 'Milk', expired: false},
  {name: 'Cheese', expired: true}
];
const fresh = products.filter(product => !product.expired);

Sample Program

This program keeps numbers greater than 18 from the list and prints them.

Javascript

const numbers = [10, 15, 20, 25, 30];
const filtered = numbers.filter(num => num > 18);
console.log(filtered);

Important Notes

The original array does not change when you use filter.

If no elements pass the test, filter returns an empty array.

You can use filter with any condition you want, making it very flexible.

Summary

Filter helps you create a new list with only the items you want.

It uses a function that returns true or false for each item.

The original list stays the same after filtering.

Practice

1. What does the JavaScript filter method do?

easy

A. Sorts the array in ascending order

B. Creates a new array with elements that pass a test

C. Changes the original array by removing elements

D. Combines all elements into a single value

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of filter

   The filter method tests each element with a function and keeps only those that return true.

2. Step 2: Compare options with filter behavior

   Only Creates a new array with elements that pass a test describes creating a new array with elements that pass the test, which matches filter's behavior.

3. Final Answer:

   Creates a new array with elements that pass a test -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   filter creates new filtered array = C [OK]

Hint: Filter keeps items passing test, original array stays same [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking filter changes original array
• Confusing filter with sort or reduce
• Believing filter combines elements

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to filter an array arr for values greater than 10?

easy

A. arr.filter(x => {x > 10});

B. arr.filter(x > 10);

C. arr.filter(x => x > 10);

D. arr.filter(x => x > 10)();

Solution

1. Step 1: Check arrow function syntax inside filter

   The filter method requires a function that returns true or false. The arrow function must return the condition directly or with a return statement.

2. Step 2: Validate each option's syntax

   arr.filter(x => x > 10); uses correct arrow function syntax returning x > 10. arr.filter(x > 10); misses the function. arr.filter(x => {x > 10}); uses braces but no return, so returns undefined. arr.filter(x => x > 10)(); adds extra parentheses causing error.

3. Final Answer:

   arr.filter(x => x > 10); -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Correct arrow function syntax = A [OK]

Hint: Arrow function must return condition inside filter [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting arrow function syntax
• Using braces without return in arrow function
• Adding extra parentheses after filter call

3. What is the output of the following code?

const nums = [5, 12, 8, 130, 44];
const result = nums.filter(num => num > 10);
console.log(result);

medium

A. [5, 8]

B. []

C. [5, 12, 8, 130, 44]

D. [12, 130, 44]

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the filter condition

   The filter keeps numbers greater than 10.

2. Step 2: Check each number in the array

   5 (no), 12 (yes), 8 (no), 130 (yes), 44 (yes). So filtered array is [12, 130, 44].

3. Final Answer:

   [12, 130, 44] -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Filter > 10 = [12,130,44] [OK]

Hint: Filter keeps only items passing condition [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Including numbers not greater than 10
• Returning original array instead of filtered
• Confusing filter with map or reduce output

4. Find the error in this code that tries to filter even numbers:

const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const evens = numbers.filter(num => { num % 2 === 0 });
console.log(evens);

medium

A. Missing return statement inside arrow function

B. filter method does not exist on arrays

C. num % 2 === 0 is incorrect syntax

D. Array should be declared with let, not const

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze arrow function with braces

   When using braces in arrow functions, you must explicitly return a value.

2. Step 2: Check the function body

   The function body has expression but no return, so it returns undefined, causing filter to keep no elements.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing return statement inside arrow function -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Arrow function with braces needs return [OK]

Hint: Use return inside braces or remove braces in arrow function [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting return inside arrow function with braces
• Thinking filter is not an array method
• Misunderstanding modulo operator syntax

5. Given an array of objects:

const people = [
  { name: 'Alice', age: 25 },
  { name: 'Bob', age: 17 },
  { name: 'Charlie', age: 19 },
  { name: 'David', age: 15 }
];

// Filter adults (age 18 or older)
const adults = people.filter(person => person.age >= 18);

console.log(adults);

What will be the output?

hard

A. [{ name: 'Alice', age: 25 }, { name: 'Charlie', age: 19 }]

B. [{ name: 'Bob', age: 17 }, { name: 'David', age: 15 }]

C. [{ name: 'Alice', age: 25 }, { name: 'Bob', age: 17 }, { name: 'Charlie', age: 19 }, { name: 'David', age: 15 }]

D. []

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand filter condition on objects

   The filter keeps objects where person.age is 18 or more.

2. Step 2: Check each person's age

   Alice (25) and Charlie (19) meet the condition. Bob (17) and David (15) do not.

3. Final Answer:

   [{ name: 'Alice', age: 25 }, { name: 'Charlie', age: 19 }] -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Filter adults age >= 18 = Alice, Charlie [OK]

Hint: Filter objects by property condition inside arrow function [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Filtering by name instead of age
• Including underage people by mistake
• Expecting filter to modify original array