What's the difference between objects and associated array in javascript?

Question

The Confusing discussion

In this question, there is a discussion on the concepts of associated array and object in javaScript which I got a bit confused.

In

Answer 1

If you define "associative array" as a data structure that stores information as a collection of key-value pairs, then yes, JavaScript objects are associative arrays.

However, the phrase "associative array" is not generally used in the context of JavaScript, rather, we say "object". I'd suggest sticking to standard JS terminology to avoid misunderstandings.

Note that JS also has (non-associative) arrays, with elements accessed via numeric indexes. These are also objects and so allow non-numeric key properties, but this is generally considered bad practice.