What are iterators in Node.js?

What are iterators in Node.js?

Iterators in Node.js are objects that allow you to traverse through a collection, like arrays or maps, one element at a time.

Can you give me an example of how to create an iterator?

Sure! You can create an iterator by defining a function that returns an object with a 'next' method. Here's a simple example:

function createIterator(array) {
    let index = 0;
    return {
        next: function() {
            if (index < array.length) {
                return { value: array[index++], done: false };
            } else {
                return { done: true };
            }
        }
    };
}

How do I use this iterator to loop through an array?

You can use a while loop to call the 'next' method until it returns 'done'. Here's how:

const myArray = [1, 2, 3];
const iterator = createIterator(myArray);
let result = iterator.next();
while (!result.done) {
    console.log(result.value);
    result = iterator.next();
}

What are the benefits of using iterators?

Iterators provide a consistent way to access elements in a collection without exposing the underlying structure, making your code cleaner and more maintainable.