How to store a reference to an array element?

Question

I want to store a reference to an array element and modify the array element using the reference.

Example Code:

var myArray : [String] = ["foo"]
var element = myArray.first!
element.append("bar")
print(myArray.first!)

Expected Output:

> foobar

Actual Output:

> foo

My expectation was that first would return a reference to the array element. Instead, Swift returns a copy of the element, meaning the array element doesn't get modified.

Is there a way to store a reference to an array element using Swift arrays?

this might help

Purple Haze
– Purple Haze

2017-08-18 22:50:19 +00:00
Commented Aug 18, 2017 at 22:50 — Purple Haze
– Purple Haze, Commented Aug 18, 2017 at 22:50

Mo Abdul-Hameed · Accepted Answer · 2017-08-18 22:45:08Z

1

Swift's String is a value type, so it returns a copy not a reference, if you want to get a reference you should use NSString not String.

answered Aug 18, 2017 at 22:45

Mo Abdul-Hameed

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4 Comments

user3225395 Over a year ago

I used String for the sake of example. In the actual code, I am using a custom class.

Fogmeister Over a year ago

@user3225395 I’d suggest making an example that doesn’t use a value type in your question.

user3225395 Over a year ago

I debugged my code, and I realized the bug is due to another piece of code that I overlooked. I'll mark this as answered, since it solves the example I gave.

dmarnel Over a year ago

Although the OP chose an example with a value data type, this does not answer the question "How to store a reference to an array element?"

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