How do immutable and mutable data structures affect JavaScript performance?

How do immutable and mutable data structures affect JavaScript performance?

Immutable data structures do not change after creation, which can lead to performance benefits in certain scenarios, especially in functional programming. Mutable data structures can be more efficient for frequent updates but may lead to bugs due to unintended side effects.

Can you give examples of when to use each type?

Sure! Use immutable structures when you need to maintain state without side effects, like in React state management. Use mutable structures for performance-critical applications where frequent updates are necessary, like in game development.

What are the trade-offs between using them?

The trade-offs include memory usage and performance. Immutable structures can lead to higher memory consumption due to the creation of new instances, while mutable structures can be faster but risk introducing bugs due to shared state.

Are there libraries that help with immutable data in JavaScript?

Yes, libraries like Immutable.js and Immer provide tools to work with immutable data structures in JavaScript, making it easier to manage state without side effects.