Javascript Array, Splice

[DeanJo]

So currently i have an application i developed some time ago that has 2 arrays...
FirstName
LastName

this application randomly goes through the arrays displaying the names as it goes and finally stops on one (its a prize drawing application we use to distribute prizes at company parties)

when a name gets drawn it clears that array value... if the random loop lands on any empty spot it starts over... the problem with this is, after many names have been cleared it starts to repeat itself so much it runs very slow....

So i have been looking for a way to delete the array value all together such as .splice however it isnt working for me so basically if this is my array

FirstName[0] = "Josh"
FirstName[1] = "Bob"
FirstName[2] = "Tim"
FirstName[3] = "Ashley"
FirstName[4] = "Frank"

and i say... FirstName.Splic e(0,1)

Then the array would be like below...
FirstName[0] = "Bob"
FirstName[1] = "Tim"
FirstName[2] = "Ashley"
FirstName[3] = "Frank"


anyone know how i can achieve this?

[mrhoo]

splice returns the item(s) that get removed, so you can select and remove the selected item from the array in the same statement.

You'd use something like this to deal random cards from a deck, for example, but it should work for your purpose.

var L=FirstName.length,f;
while(--L){
    f=FirstName.splice(Math.floor(Math.Random()*L),1);
//write the name
}
 

[DeanJo]

Well i need to remove the item from the array and then still be able to execute the same functions that search through the array. Ideally delete something then re-index the array with the data that still exists...

[mrhoo]

Then make an array of integers the length of your name list,
with each item a subsequent integer.
Shuffle the array and shift or pop your way through it,
using the integers returned as your name array indexes.

var L= FirstName.length;
var i= 0,A=[];
while(i<L) A[i]= i++;
A.sort(function(){
    return  .5 - Math.random();
})
while(A.length){
    f= FirstName(A.pop());
    //do whatever with f
}