Arrays & ReadonlyArray
Learn array basics, the difference between mutable arrays and ReadonlyArray, and how to use typed methods safely.
Arrays & ReadonlyArray is a free TypeScript Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the TypeScript Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Intro
Goal: Understand how to declare arrays, use methods with types, and know when to use ReadonlyArray for immutability.
Array declaration
Arrays can be typed with element type syntax (e.g., number[]).
const numbers: number[] = [1, 2, 3];
console.log(numbers[0]);Generic Array type
You can also use the generic form Array<T> which is equivalent to T[].
const words: Array<string> = ["a", "b", "c"];
console.log(words.length);Array methods
Array methods like map, filter, and reduce preserve type information automatically.
const nums: number[] = [1, 2, 3];
const doubled = nums.map(n => n * 2);
console.log(doubled);ReadonlyArray
ReadonlyArray ensures immutability: no push, splice, or reassign methods are available.
const readonlyNums: ReadonlyArray<number> = [1, 2, 3];
// readonlyNums.push(4); // ErrorWhen to use ReadonlyArray
Use ReadonlyArray when you want to
- Guarantee no accidental mutation
- Pass data safely across functions
- Signal intent of immutability
ReadonlyArray check
Quick check: Which statement about ReadonlyArray in TypeScript is TRUE?
Recap
Recap: Arrays can be typed as T[] or Array<T>. Use methods with type safety. Choose ReadonlyArray when immutability is required.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Arrays & ReadonlyArray” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Arrays & ReadonlyArray” is free to read here on the web, and the TypeScript Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the TypeScript Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Arrays & ReadonlyArray”?
Learn array basics, the difference between mutable arrays and ReadonlyArray, and how to use typed methods safely. You practise TypeScript Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start TypeScript Academy?
No prior experience is required. TypeScript Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Arrays & ReadonlyArray” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this TypeScript Academy lesson?
Yes. Every TypeScript Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Arrays & ReadonlyArray
- Tuples & labeled tuples
- Enums vs const enum vs union-literal alternatives