What are the differences between TypeScript iterators and arrays?

What are the differences between TypeScript iterators and arrays?

TypeScript iterators provide a way to traverse through a collection without exposing the underlying structure, while arrays are a built-in data structure that stores elements in a sequential manner. Iterators can be more memory efficient for large datasets.

Can you give me an example of how to use an iterator in TypeScript?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

function* numberGenerator() {
    let num = 0;
    while (num < 5) {
        yield num++;
    }
}

const iterator = numberGenerator();
for (const value of iterator) {
    console.log(value);
}

This will log numbers 0 to 4.

When should I use iterators instead of arrays?

Use iterators when you need to process large datasets without loading everything into memory at once, or when you want to create custom iteration logic.

Are there any performance differences between using iterators and arrays?

Yes, iterators can be more efficient in terms of memory usage, especially for large collections, as they allow lazy evaluation. However, arrays provide faster access times for indexed elements.