How to Populate a Multi-Dimensional Array (2D Matrix) in JavaScript

Discover a step-by-step guide on how to effectively populate a multi-dimensional array (2D matrix) in JavaScript. Perfect for beginners!
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How to Populate a Multi-Dimensional Array (2D Matrix) in JavaScript

Are you struggling with populating a multi-dimensional array, also known as a 2D matrix, in JavaScript? You're not alone! This can be a challenging task, especially for beginners who are getting accustomed to array manipulations in JavaScript. In this guide, we will explore how to create a 2D matrix and replace its initial zero values with other numbers from an array. Let’s break this down step by step!

Understanding the Problem

Let’s start with the issue at hand, which was brought forward by a developer trying to replace zeros in a 2D matrix with values from another array called populateArr. The goal is to create a function that generates a zero-filled matrix and then populate this matrix with numbers from populateArr.

Here's the sample data you need to work with:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The expected output after populating the matrix should look something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Creating the Matrix

Before we can populate the matrix, we first need to create it. This involves initializing a 2D array filled with zeros. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to achieve that.

Step 1: Declare the createMatrix Function

This function takes in the number of rows and columns and returns an array filled with zeros.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation

We initialize an empty array out to hold our rows.

Using a while loop, we fill out until it has the required number of rows.

Example Usage

To create a 6x3 matrix filled with zeros, use:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Populating the Matrix

Now, let’s move on to populating this matrix with the numbers from populateArr. For this, we'll write a new function called populateMatrix.

Step 2: Declare the populateMatrix Function

In this function, we will replace the zeros in the matrix with values from populateArr.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation

We initialize an index i, which will help us track the current position within populateArr.

We loop through each row of the matrix and each column.

Whenever we encounter a zero, we replace it with the next number from populateArr and increment the index i.

The loop stops if we run out of numbers in populateArr.

Example Usage

To populate the matrix with the numbers, use:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Final Thoughts

Combining both steps will allow you to create a 2D matrix and populate it seamlessly with values from any given array. The final code, when executed, will print out the fully populated matrix:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By following the outlined steps, you should now be equipped to tackle similar problems with confidence. Happy coding!