How to Dynamically Add a New Item to an Existing Object Array in React JS

Learn how to easily merge new items into an existing object array in React JS, ensuring your data structure remains intact upon each click event.
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Dynamically Adding New Items to an Existing Object Array in React JS

In the world of web development, particularly when using React JS, managing state and data structures can sometimes be challenging. A common scenario developers encounter is needing to add new entries to an existing array of objects upon a user's action, such as clicking a button.

If you find yourself asking, “How can I dynamically add a new array to my existing object array in React JS?” then this guide is for you.

The Problem Statement

Imagine you have a button that, when clicked, should add a new product to a shopping cart. The issue arises when you notice that each click replaces the existing product with the new one, rather than appending it to the array. Here’s a simplified example of the current implementation:

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What's Wrong?

The main problem lies in how the product array is defined and initialized. The array is redefined every time the adddata function is called, resulting in the loss of previously added products.

The Solution

To overcome this issue, we need to make sure we maintain the state of the product array across multiple function calls. By utilizing a global variable or state, we can ensure the products persist and new entries are added correctly.

Using Global State

Declare a Global Variable: Instead of declaring product inside the function, declare it outside so it retains its values across different calls.

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

Refactor the Function: Next, eliminate the unnecessary loop (since you only want to add one item) and simply push the new product into the global product array.

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

Summary of the Updated Implementation

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

Conclusion

When implementing dynamic updates to an object array in React JS, it's important to manage where and how your arrays and state are defined. By utilizing global variables or lifting state up in React, you can efficiently manage your data and avoid issues of data loss with each function call.

Now, the next time you design a similar functionality in your React applications, remember this approach to ensure that your arrays are being updated correctly, enhancing the user experience. Happy coding!