What are the best practices for copying objects in JavaScript?

What are the best practices for copying objects in JavaScript?

When copying objects in JavaScript, it's important to consider shallow vs deep copying. Shallow copying can be done using methods like Object.assign() or the spread operator (...), while deep copying can be achieved using JSON methods or libraries like Lodash.

Can you explain the difference between shallow and deep copying?

Sure! Shallow copying creates a new object but only copies the references to the nested objects. Changes to nested objects will affect both the original and the copied object. Deep copying, on the other hand, creates a completely independent copy of the object, including all nested objects.

What are some common pitfalls when copying objects?

Common pitfalls include accidentally modifying the original object when using shallow copies, and performance issues with deep copying large objects. It's also important to be aware of circular references that can cause errors during deep copying.

Are there any libraries you recommend for deep copying?

Yes, Lodash is a popular library that provides a deep clone function. Another option is Rambda, which also has utilities for deep copying objects.