How to store a byte array in Javascript

Understanding typed arrays in JavaScript

Typed arrays in JavaScript are efficient tools for handling binary data. Uint8Array, one type of typed array, can store byte values from 0-255; a much more space-efficient approach compared to ordinary JavaScript numbers.

The cost of regular numbers

Normal numbers in JavaScript can gulp a whopping 8 bytes. But the thrifty Uint8Array saves this space, requiring only 1 byte per entry. In short, Uint8Array is a minimalist's dream:

let regularNumbers = [10, 20, 30]; // Each of these number-monsters chomps 8 bytes
let typedArray = new Uint8Array([10, 20, 30]); // One measly byte per number. Efficiency for the win!
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Selecting appropriate typed array

If your byte data falls within the 0-255 range, pocket the Uint8Array. But for larger values, consider its mighty cousins - Uint16Array or Uint32Array, which accommodate 2 and 4 bytes per number, respectively.

Efficiency in memory management and data manipulation

Typed arrays, apart from being a memory management ace, are power performers in data manipulation. When dealing with binary data structures, bitwise operators are your sidekicks.

Bit-level access: A sample use case

For certain applications such as cryptographic procedures or image processing that demand bit-level access, a blend of typed arrays (perhaps, Uint32Array) and bitwise operations work wonders. Check this out:

class BitArray {
  constructor(size) {
    this.uint32Array = new Uint32Array(size);
  }
  
  // Ahoy! Here's where set, clear, toggle, and query bits make their grand entry.
}
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Efficient character access: ASCII to the rescue

Sometimes, it might be useful to view characters as bytes. Here’s an interface for this noble purpose that's as easy as ABC:

// ASCII? More like 'a-sci-Fi'. Converts a char to its ASCII value.
function charToByte(c) {
  return c.charCodeAt(0);
}

// Our very own Star Trek Transporter, but for ASCII. Beam me up, Scotty!
function byteToChar(byteVal) {
  return String.fromCharCode(byteVal);
}
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Ensuring cross-platform compatibility

As you dive deeper into the binary world, ensuring your code works on different platforms is crucial. The good news is, Uint8Array enjoys extensive support across modern browsers and environments, including Node.js and HTML5.

Ensuring browser compatibility

Before you proceed, remember to check for browser support for Uint8Array. Although it's highly unlikely to run into compatibility issues given its widespread support, better safe than sorry! Also, brace yourself for potential variations in endianess when working with Uint16Array or Uint32Array. Different systems, different rules!

Advancing to complex operations

Beyond basic storage, you can venture into countless other operations, including serializing data for network transmissions or saving to disk. Here's how you do it:

// Beam the Uint8Array to a base64 string for inter-galactic travel
function serialize(bytes) {
  let binaryString = String.fromCharCode.apply(null, bytes);
  return window.btoa(binaryString);
}

// Beam back the base64 string to native Uint8Array territory
function deserialize(base64String) {
  let binaryString = window.atob(base64String);
  let bytes = new Uint8Array(binaryString.length);

  for (let i = 0; i < binaryString.length; i++) {
    bytes[i] = binaryString.charCodeAt(i);
  }

  return bytes;
}
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Handling data akin to Antarctic icebergs

The 'tip of the iceberg' idiom rings particularly true for larger datasets. When you're dealing with a ton of data, lazy loading, pagination, and efficient search techniques are no longer luxuries, but necessities. Mastering these can set you leagues apart from the coding crowd.

Be wary of potential icebergs

While the highways of typed arrays are smooth for the most part, potholes do exist. For instance, using them like regular arrays may lead you astray due to their fixed lengths and data types. Also remember, when it comes to allocating large typed arrays, tread carefully to avoid performance pitfalls.