TypedArray

Int16Array

Creates a new Int16Array typed array representing an array of 16-bit signed integers (range -32768 to 32767)

Syntax

JavaScript
new Int16Array(length) or new Int16Array(buffer, byteOffset?, length?)

Parameters

ParameterTypeDescription
lengthnumber | ArrayBuffer | ArrayLike<number>Array length, buffer, or array-like source

Return Value

A new Int16Array instance

Examples

Basic Usage
const arr = new Int16Array([32767, -32768, 0])
console.log(arr) // Int16Array [32767, -32768, 0]
Practical Example
const buffer = new ArrayBuffer(6)
const view = new Int16Array(buffer)
view[0] = 1000
view[1] = -1000
console.log(view)
Advanced Usage
const audioSamples = new Int16Array(44100)
for (let i = 0; i < audioSamples.length; i++) {
  audioSamples[i] = Math.sin(i * 0.1) * 32767
}

Understanding Int16Array

The Int16Array method in JavaScript creates a new Int16Array typed array representing an array of 16-bit signed integers (range -32768 to 32767). It belongs to the TypedArray object and is one of the most widely used methods for working with typedarray values in modern JavaScript and TypeScript applications.

The method signature is new Int16Array(length) or new Int16Array(buffer, byteOffset?, length?). It accepts 1 parameter: length. When called, it returns a new int16array instance. Understanding when and how to use Int16Array() helps you write more expressive, readable code.

Common use cases for Int16Array include data transformation, input validation, API response processing, and building reusable utility functions. It works well alongside related methods like uint16array-constructor, int32array-constructor, int8array-constructor, enabling you to chain operations together for complex data manipulation pipelines.

Browser support for Int16Array is excellent across all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It is also fully supported in Node.js and Deno. For older environments, transpilation with Babel or a polyfill may be needed.

Browser Compatibility

Supported in all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and Node.js. Part of the ECMAScript standard.

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