Create 2D Array

A 2D array is also known as a matrix. It's arranged in a table-like structure that consists of rows and columns. In TypeScript, we can create 2D arrays in several ways, Array.from() being one of the most elegant solutions.

The Array.from() method creates a shallow-copied array from an array-like or iterable object. It accepts two main parameters:

• An iterable or array-like object to convert
• A optional mapping function that transforms each element

Array.from(arrayLike, mapFn)

Here's a utility function that creates a 2D array with specified dimensions and initial values:

function create2DArray<T>(rows: number, cols: number, initialValue: T): T[][] {
  return Array.from({ length: rows }, () => Array(cols).fill(initialValue))
}
 
const array = create2DArray<number>(3, 4, 0)
console.table(array) // [[0, 0, 0, 0], [0, 0, 0, 0], [0, 0, 0, 0]]

Debugging Tips: When working with 2D arrays, use console.table() for better visualization.

Ref: Array.from()