How do you reverse an array without modifying original array?
Assesses fundamental understanding of JavaScript conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.
Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.
The reverse() method reverses the order of the elements in an array but it mutates the original array. Let's take a simple example to demonistrate this case,
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = originalArray.reverse();
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
console.log(originalArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
There are few solutions that won't mutate the original array. Let's take a look.
- Using slice and reverse methods:
In this case, just invoke the slice() method on the array to create a shallow copy followed by reverse() method call on the copy.
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = originalArray.slice().reverse(); //Slice an array gives a new copy
console.log(originalArray); // [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
- Using spread and reverse methods:
In this case, let's use the spread syntax (...) to create a copy of the array followed by reverse() method call on the copy.
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = [...originalArray].reverse();
console.log(originalArray); // [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
- Using reduce and spread methods:
Here execute a reducer function on an array elements and append the accumulated array on right side using spread syntax
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = originalArray.reduce((accumulator, value) => {
return [value, ...accumulator];
}, []);
console.log(originalArray); // [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
- Using reduceRight and spread methods:
Here execute a right reducer function(i.e. opposite direction of reduce method) on an array elements and append the accumulated array on left side using spread syntax
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = originalArray.reduceRight((accumulator, value) => {
return [...accumulator, value];
}, []);
console.log(originalArray); // [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
- Using reduceRight and push methods:
Here execute a right reducer function(i.e. opposite direction of reduce method) on an array elements and push the iterated value to the accumulator
const originalArray = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const newArray = originalArray.reduceRight((accumulator, value) => {
accumulator.push(value);
return accumulator;
}, []);
console.log(originalArray); // [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
console.log(newArray); // [ 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips
- Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
- Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
- Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
- Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.