jQuery jQuery.merge() Method

Posted in jQuery Tutorial

Updated on May 12, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 21 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 0

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

jQuery is renowned for its versatility and ease of use in web development. Among its many features, the $.merge() method stands out as a powerful tool for combining arrays. Whether you're working with arrays of DOM elements, JavaScript objects, or simple arrays, understanding how to effectively use $.merge() can streamline your code and enhance your development workflow.

In this guide, we'll explore the functionality of the jQuery $.merge() method with clear examples to help you grasp its potential.

🧠 Understanding jQuery.merge() Method

The $.merge() method in jQuery is designed to merge the contents of two arrays together into the first array. It is particularly useful when you need to combine arrays without creating a new one. This method is especially handy for dealing with arrays of DOM elements or jQuery objects.

💡 Syntax

The syntax for the jQuery.merge() method is straightforward:

syntax.js

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$.merge(array1, array2)

📝 Example

Merging Arrays:

Suppose you have two arrays that you want to merge:
example.js
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```
var array1 = [1, 2, 3];
var array2 = [4, 5, 6];
```
You can use the $.merge() method to combine these arrays:
example.js
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```
$.merge(array1, array2);
console.log(array1); // Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
```
Now, array1 contains the merged elements from both arrays.
Merging Arrays of DOM Elements:

If you have arrays of DOM elements and you want to merge them, $.merge() simplifies the process:
example.js
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```
var divs1 = $("div.group1").toArray();
var divs2 = $("div.group2").toArray();
```
example.js
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```
var mergedDivs = $.merge(divs1, divs2);
console.log(mergedDivs); // Output: Array containing DOM elements from both groups
```
Now, mergedDivs contains DOM elements from both groups.

Combining Arrays of Objects:

You can also merge arrays of JavaScript objects effortlessly using $.merge().

example.js

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var objArray1 = [{ name: "John" }, { name: "Alice" }];
var objArray2 = [{ name: "Bob" }, { name: "Eva" }];

example.js

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$.merge(objArray1, objArray2);
console.log(objArray1); // Output: Array containing objects from both arrays

Now, objArray1 holds objects from both arrays.

Avoiding Duplicates:

If you want to merge arrays while avoiding duplicate elements, you can combine $.merge() with other methods like $.unique():
example.js
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```
var array1 = [1, 2, 3];
var array2 = [3, 4, 5];
$.merge($.unique(array1), array2);
console.log(array1); // Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
```

🎉 Conclusion

The jQuery $.merge() method offers a straightforward solution for merging arrays in JavaScript. Whether you're combining arrays of DOM elements, JavaScript objects, or simple arrays, this method simplifies the process and enhances code readability.

By mastering its usage, you can efficiently manage arrays and streamline your development workflow.