JavaScript .split()

In JavaScript, the .split() method returns a new array of substrings based on a given string. This method is useful for parsing CSV data, processing user input, or breaking apart text for analysis.

Syntax

string.split(separator, limit);

Parameters:

• separator (Optional): Describes the pattern where each split should occur.
• limit (Optional): Determines the number of substring elements included in the returned array.

Return value:

The .split() method returns a new array of substrings based on a given string.

Note: If separator is not provided, the returned array will contain the entire string as its lone element.

Example 1: Using .split() Without limit

This example uses the .split() method without the limit parameter to split the stringOfNames string into an array of names:

const stringOfNames = 'Dominic, Shelly, Luka, Devin';

console.log('No limit:', stringOfNames.split(', '));

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Here is the output:

No limit: [ 'Dominic', 'Shelly', 'Luka', 'Devin' ]

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Example 2: Using .split() with limit

This example uses the .split() method with the limit parameter to split the stringOfNames string into an array of names limited to 3 elements:

const stringOfNames = 'Dominic, Shelly, Luka, Devin';

console.log('Limited to 3 elements:', stringOfNames.split(', ', 3));

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Here is the output:

Limited to 3 elements: [ 'Dominic', 'Shelly', 'Luka' ]

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Codebyte Example: Using .split() Without Parameters

This example uses the .split() method without any parameters to split the stringOfNames string into an array of names in a string:

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular expressions with .split()?

Yes. Regular expressions can be used with .split() for more flexible and complex splitting logic:

// Uses the separators '-' and '_'
let substr = 'one-two_three'.split(/[-_]/);

console.log(substr); // [ 'one', 'two', 'three' ]

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2. What if the separator in .split() is an empty string?

Splitting on an empty string using .split() breaks the string into an array of individual characters:

let substr = 'ABC'.split('');

console.log(substr); // [ 'A', 'B', 'C' ]

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3. What happens with consecutive separators in .split()?

Empty strings appear in the result if there are consecutive separators in .split():

let substr = 'a,,b'.split(',');

console.log(substr); // [ 'a', '', 'b' ]

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