freeCodeCamp Challenge Guide: Use Caution When Reinitializing Variables Inside a Loop

Guide
1

Use Caution When Reinitializing Variables Inside a Loop

Problem Explanation

  • This challenge must be solved by redefining the scope of row[].
  • Below is an example of the desired matrix.
[[0][0], [0][0], [0][0]];
  • However the current matrix - seen below - is far from the desired matrix
[[0][0][0][0][0][0], [0][0][0][0][0][0], [0][0][0][0][0][0]];
  • This error occurs due to the row[] array being declared as a global variable outside of the nested for loop.
  • However, to fill the matrix correctly the row[] array must be reset after each iteration of the outer loop.

Solutions

Solution 1 (Click to Show/Hide) 
function zeroArray(m, n) {
  let newArray = [];
  for (let i = 0; i < m; i++) {
    let row = []; /* <-----  row has been declared inside the outer loop. 
     Now a new row will be initialised during each iteration of the outer loop allowing 
     for the desired matrix. */
    for (let j = 0; j < n; j++) {
      row.push(0);
    }
    newArray.push(row);
  }
  return newArray;
}
let matrix = zeroArray(3, 2);
console.log(matrix);
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