Assigning one array to another javascript

Question

So array in javascript are assigned by references so for example

let a = [1,2,3];

let b = a;

a = [];

console.log(b);

Shouldn't it print empty array as a is assigned to empty array and b and a are point to same.

Answer 1

I know that such behavior might seem weird. However, as other writers already mentioned, what happens is that by writing 'a = []' you actually assigned 'a' a new reference (ie you are not manipulating the 'old' array any more), and 'b' will hold an old reference to a memory location where 'old' array was initially assigned and break a relationship with 'a'. Hence, there will now exist 2 references instead of an initial 1.