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Arraysdiffsequence

As explained in Build a Frontend Web Framework (From Scratch)

arraysDiffSequence is a function that computes the sequence of removal, no-op, addition, and move operations needed to transform one array into another.

arraysDiffSequence computes the ordered operations needed to transform an old array into a new array. In virtual-DOM reconciliation, those operations later drive child-node updates without rebuilding every unchanged child. section 7.6.4 section 8.5

A small transformation

For oldArray = ['a', 'b'] and newArray = ['b', 'c'], the current position first becomes a move for 'b', then an addition for 'c'; remaining unmatched items are removed when necessary. String arrays use the default === comparator, while virtual-node objects require a custom equalsFn. section 7.6.4

How Build a Frontend Web Framework (From Scratch) covers it

How deep it goes
Implements removal, noop, addition, move, original-index tracking, and trailing cleanup, but defers DOM application.
Examples
Uses string arrays, virtual-node objects, operation constants, flow charts, and incremental JavaScript listings.
What it assumes
Assumes JavaScript arrays and equality, while teaching custom comparison for virtual-node objects.
What you can do after
Build it from scratch in JavaScript and produce an operation sequence for updating array-backed virtual-DOM children.
How it connects
Connects array diffing with virtual DOM, reconciliation, custom equality, and DOM patching.

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Build a Frontend Web Framework (From Scratch). The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.