Registry / data / array-difference

array-difference

library0.0.2jsnpmunverified

The `array-difference` package, currently at version 0.0.2 and last published in 2020 (with a copyright date of 2013), provides a basic utility method for computing the symmetric difference between two arrays. It identifies elements present in one array but not the other. Originally designed to be compatible with AMD and CommonJS modules, it functions in both Node.js and browser environments of its era. This package is no longer actively maintained or developed. Modern JavaScript projects typically use native `Set` operations, `filter` with `includes`, or more feature-rich, actively maintained third-party libraries that offer advanced array comparison, custom comparison functions, and better performance for large datasets. Its key differentiator is its simplicity and small footprint, though this comes at the cost of modern features and ongoing support.

data

npm install array-difference

github ↗package ↗

INSTALL

IMPORT

SIG · ARRAY-DIFFERENCE

array-difference

datajavascriptv0.0.2

Install

—

Import

—

Disk

—

Pass rate

0/ 6

Env Coverage0 / 6

glibc

18–22

musl

18–22

Install & Compatibility

Where this runs

tested against v? · npm install

Install × environment matrix

Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux

musl

node 18–226 runs

build_error

glibc

node 18–226 runs

build_error

Code

Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

difference

✓ const difference = require('array-difference');

✗ import { difference } from 'array-difference'; import difference from 'array-difference';

This package is CommonJS-only and does not support ES Modules (`import`/`export`) due to its age and lack of maintenance. Attempting to use `import` will result in a `SyntaxError`.

Demonstrates how to import and use the `difference` function to find elements unique to two given arrays.

const difference = require('array-difference'); const array1 = [1, 2, 3, 'a', 'b']; const array2 = [2, 3, 4, 'b', 'c']; // Compute the symmetric difference: elements unique to array1 or array2 const diffResult = difference(array1, array2); console.log('Array 1:', array1); console.log('Array 2:', array2); console.log('Difference (elements unique to either array):', diffResult); // Expected output: [1, 4, 'a', 'c'] const array3 = [5, 6, 7]; const array4 = [6, 8]; console.log('Difference ([5, 6, 7], [6, 8]):', difference(array3, array4)); // Expected output: [5, 7, 8]

Debug

Known issues

gotchaThe `array-difference` package is effectively abandoned. It has not been updated since 2020 and its core logic dates back to 2013. There will be no further bug fixes, performance improvements, or feature additions. Consider actively maintained alternatives or native JavaScript methods.

fix

For new projects, prefer native `Set` operations for unique values (e.g., `new Set([...array1].filter(x => !array2.includes(x)))`) or modern libraries like `lodash.difference` or `array-differ` (e.g., `npm install array-differ`).

affects: >=0.0.0

gotchaThis package is CommonJS-only. It does not support ES Modules (`import`/`export`) syntax, which is the standard for modern JavaScript development. Attempting to use `import` will lead to runtime errors in environments configured for ESM.

fix

Always use `const difference = require('array-difference');` to import the module. If ESM is a strict requirement for your project, you must use an alternative library or implement the functionality natively.

affects: >=0.0.0

gotchaThe functionality provided by this package is limited to simple symmetric difference and can be replicated with native JavaScript array methods or `Set` objects, often with better performance and clearer intent. Its algorithm may not be optimized for very large arrays.

fix

For basic differences, use `Array.prototype.filter()` combined with `Array.prototype.includes()` or leverage `Set` objects for better performance with unique values: `const diff = [...new Set([...arr1].filter(x => !arr2.includes(x)).concat([...arr2].filter(x => !arr1.includes(x))))];`

affects: >=0.0.0

gotchaDue to its unmaintained status, there is no guarantee of compatibility with newer Node.js versions or browser environments, and it may contain unpatched vulnerabilities, although unlikely for such a simple utility.

fix

Evaluate whether the minimal functionality outweighs the risks associated with using an unmaintained package. Migrate to a well-supported alternative if security or long-term stability is a concern.

affects: >=0.0.0

Errors

Common errors & fixes

SyntaxError: Cannot use import statement outside a module

Attempting to use `import` syntax (ES Modules) with a package that only supports CommonJS `require`.

fix

Change your import statement to `const difference = require('array-difference');`.

TypeError: difference is not a function

The module is imported incorrectly or the variable `difference` is not correctly assigned the exported function. This often happens with incorrect CommonJS `require` patterns or attempting to destructure a non-object export.

fix

Ensure you are using `const difference = require('array-difference');`. The package exports a single function directly, not an object with named exports.

Upgrade

Version history

0.0.2latest on npm

Audit

Dependencies

No dependency data recorded yet.

Agent activity

27 hits · last 30 days

node

OpenAI (training)

Resources

githubhttps://github.com/jugglinmike/array-difference ↗

packagehttps://www.npmjs.com/package/array-difference ↗