What are the differences between iterators and loops in JavaScript?

What are the differences between iterators and loops in JavaScript?

In JavaScript, loops are control structures that repeat a block of code, while iterators are objects that allow you to traverse through a collection, like arrays or maps.

Can you give me an example of an iterator?

Sure! The Array.prototype.entries() method returns an iterator object that contains the key/value pairs for each index in the array.

How do forEach and map differ from traditional loops?

forEach and map are higher-order functions that operate on arrays. forEach executes a function for each element, while map creates a new array with the results of calling a function on every element.

When should I use an iterator instead of a loop?

Use iterators when you need to traverse a collection without exposing the underlying structure, or when you want to create custom iteration behavior.