What are the differences between iterators and generators in TypeScript?

What are the differences between iterators and generators in TypeScript?

In TypeScript, iterators are objects that implement the Iterator protocol, allowing you to traverse a collection. Generators, on the other hand, are a special type of function that can be paused and resumed, making it easier to create iterators.

Can you give me an example of an iterator?

Sure! Here's a simple iterator example:

class MyIterator {
    private index = 0;
    private data = [1, 2, 3];

    next() {
        if (this.index < this.data.length) {
            return { value: this.data[this.index++], done: false };
        } else {
            return { done: true };
        }
    }
}

const iterator = new MyIterator();
console.log(iterator.next()); // { value: 1, done: false }
console.log(iterator.next()); // { value: 2, done: false }
console.log(iterator.next()); // { value: 3, done: false }
console.log(iterator.next()); // { done: true }

And how do generators simplify this process?

Generators simplify the process by allowing you to use the function* syntax and the yield keyword. Here's an example:

function* myGenerator() {
    yield 1;
    yield 2;
    yield 3;
}

const gen = myGenerator();
console.log(gen.next()); // { value: 1, done: false }
console.log(gen.next()); // { value: 2, done: false }
console.log(gen.next()); // { value: 3, done: false }
console.log(gen.next()); // { done: true }