The different options for accessing random elements in an array using JavaScript/P5.js

Question

I am new to using JavaScript and the P5.js library. However, I have many years of experience in Processing and some understanding of Java.

I have worked out 3 ways that I can randomly access an element in an array. All appear to work however I was wondering what would be best practice. `

var cars = ["Saab", "Volvo", "BMW"];

var rm = Math.floor(Math.random() * cars.length); 
var ri = int(random(cars.length));
var words = random(cars);

The first 2 methods are familiar however the 3rd is a new concept, is this somthing that is unique to javaSript.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

The random() function you're using is part of P5.js, not plain JavaScript.

The documentation describes the ways it can be used:

If no argument is given, returns a random number from 0 up to (but not including) 1.

If one argument is given and it is a number, returns a random number from 0 up to (but not including) the number.

If one argument is given and it is an array, returns a random element from that array.

If two arguments are given, returns a random number from the first argument up to (but not including) the second argument.

The first method is the same as Math.random() . You're using the second method when you use random(cars.length) . And you're using the third method when you use random(cars) .