big-cartesian

Cartesian product for big inputs.

Retrieves every possible combination between several arrays (cartesian product):

• can handle an infinite number of combinations
• requires almost no memory

This module is perfect when you combine hundreds of arrays or when those arrays produce millions of combinations. Otherwise you should use fast-cartesian instead as it is much faster.

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Example

import bigCartesian from 'big-cartesian'

for (const values of bigCartesian([
  ['red', 'blue'],
  ['circle', 'square'],
])) {
  console.log(values)
}
// [ 'red', 'circle' ]
// [ 'red', 'square' ]
// [ 'blue', 'circle' ]
// [ 'blue', 'square' ]

Demo

You can try this library:

• either directly in your browser.
• or by executing the examples files in a terminal.

Install

npm install big-cartesian

This package works in both Node.js >=18.18.0 and browsers.

This is an ES module. It must be loaded using an import or import() statement, not require(). If TypeScript is used, it must be configured to output ES modules, not CommonJS.

API

bigCartesian(inputs)

inputs: Array<Array | Iterable | GeneratorFunction>
Return value: Iterable<Array>

Iterates over each combination of inputs.

Limits

This works with an infinite number of combinations.

Arrays in JavaScript have a size limit of 4 trillions of elements. You can bypass this limit by using iterables or generator functions instead.

import bigCartesian from 'big-cartesian'

const generator = function* () {
  // This generator can generate an infinite number of elements
}

// Notice we pass the function itself: `generator` not `generator()`
for (const values of bigCartesian([['red', 'blue'], generator])) {
  console.log(values)
}

Benchmarks

See the following benchmarks.

Support

For any question, don't hesitate to submit an issue on GitHub.

Everyone is welcome regardless of personal background. We enforce a Code of conduct in order to promote a positive and inclusive environment.

Contributing

This project was made with ❤️. The simplest way to give back is by starring and sharing it online.

If the documentation is unclear or has a typo, please click on the page's Edit button (pencil icon) and suggest a correction.

If you would like to help us fix a bug or add a new feature, please check our guidelines. Pull requests are welcome!

Changelog

6.0.0

Breaking changes

• Minimal supported Node.js version is now 18.18.0