What is the delete Operator in JavaScript?
FREE
Overview
JavaScript developers often wonder what the delete operator even is. What is it used for? Why do we use JavaScript's delete operator? The delete operator is one of the most underutilized JavaScript operators and that's what we're going to fix right now.
The javascript delete operator is used to remove an element from an array, objects, and properties from an object. It's important to note that the javascript delete operator is not a method; it's a statement.
Transform Your Career
Choose from our industry-leading programs designed for career success
Modern Software and AI Engineering Program
Master full-stack development with AI integration
+1000 moreModern Data Science and ML with specialisation in AI
Advanced data science techniques with AI specialization
+1000 moreAdvanced AIML with Specialisation in Agentic AI
Deep dive into AIML with focus on Agentic systems
+1000 moreDevOps, Cloud & AI Platform Engineering
Build and manage AI-powered cloud infrastructure
+1000 moreAI Engineering Advanced Certification by IIT-Roorkee
Premier AI engineering certification from IIT-Roorkee
Syntax
- Syntax to delete an object.
- Syntax to delete the property of an object.
- Syntax to delete element from an array.
Description
After removing the property from the object or array element, the javascript delete operator returns true. Even if no property or index could be found in the object or array, it still returns true. Only when you attempt to delete variables and functions does it return false.
Non-configurable Properties
When you set configurable as false for a property, the delete operator returns false.
Strict Vs. Non-strict Mode
strict mode is used to write secure JavaScript. Deleting a property in strict mode will result in an error because the delete operator is prone to errors.
Scaler Placement Report and Statistics
Scaler learners achieved 2.5x salary growth with average post-Scaler CTC reaching ₹23L.
Google
Amazon
Microsoft
Flipkart
Adobe1200+ moreCan We Delete Variables in Javascript?
No, is the response. The javascript delete operator does not allow us to delete variables because they are not configurable like objects. The remove operator will return false if you do that.
Examples
Turn Learning into Career Growth
Delete and the Prototype Chain
Only the object's own properties are deleted using the delete operator. The properties of an object's prototype are unaffected. Deleting a property that is not owned by the object also has no effect but does return true.
Example:
Deleting Array Elements
Same as object properties, we can also delete elements of an array with the javascript delete operator. It will return true even if the index is not found.
Browser Compatibility
The javascript delete operator is supported by the following popular browsers.
| Browser | Full support |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Yes |
| Edge | Yes |
| Firefox | Yes |
| Opera | Yes |
| Safari | Yes |
| Samsung Internet | Yes |
| Android Webview | Yes |
| Deno | Yes |
| Node.js | Yes |
Conclusion
- The javascript delete operator can be really useful when you want to remove an object, the property of an object, or an element from a JavaScript array.
- delete is not a method but a statement.
- However, there are some things that you need to be aware of so that you don't cause any bugs by using them incorrectly.
- This article should have cleared up some of the mystery surrounding this operator and how it works in JavaScript.
