JavaScript (ES2026) reference · Array Methods

JavaScript Array slice() Method

Return a shallow copy of part of the array, from start up to (not including) end. The original is not changed.

JavaScript (ES2026) Since ES3

Syntax

array.slice(start, end)

Parameters

ParameterDescription
start optional Start index; negative counts from the end. Default: 0
end optional End index (not included). Default: array.length

Return value

A new array.

Examples

Take part of an arrayTry it yourself
const letters = ["a", "b", "c", "d", "e"];
console.log(letters.slice(1, 3), letters.slice(-2), letters.slice());

Output

[ 'b', 'c' ] [ 'd', 'e' ] [ 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e' ]
Copy an arrayTry it yourself
const items = [1, 2, 3];
const copy = items.slice();
copy.push(4);
console.log(items, copy);

Output

[ 1, 2, 3 ] [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]

Don't confuse slice() (copies, doesn't change the array) with splice() (changes the array in place).

Version history

VersionChange
JavaScript ES3Added