What is the best way to shuffle elements in a JavaScript array, and how can I ensure the result is truly random?

General Discussions
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1

I have an array like this:

var arr1 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"];

What and how can I use a reliable method for a JavaScript shuffle array operation that randomizes the order of its elements effectively?

2

If you’re aiming for a legit shuffle like you’d expect when shuffling cards Fisher-Yates is hands-down the way to go.

I’ve used it in a few projects myself, and it works like a charm every time.

function shuffleArray(array) {
  for (let i = array.length - 1; i > 0; i--) {
    const j = Math.floor(Math.random() * (i + 1));
    [array[i], array[j]] = [array[j], array[i]];
  }
  return array;
}

const arr1 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"];
console.log(shuffleArray(arr1));

It’s reliable, doesn’t bias the result, and it’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

3

This one’s like a lifehack people share when you need something fast. It works, but honestly? I don’t fully trust it for truly random results.

const arr1 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"];
const shuffled = arr1.sort(() => 0.5 - Math.random());
console.log(shuffled);

I’ve seen patterns emerge when using this a lot. So, maybe good for quick demos, but I wouldn’t use it in anything serious—like a quiz or game app.

4

If you’re already using Lodash in your project, take the easy route. I totally do this too when I don’t feel like writing the logic from scratch.

const _ = require('lodash');
const arr1 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"];
console.log(_.shuffle(arr1));