Finding the Maximum Value in an Array

This challenge focuses on a fundamental operation in programming: finding the largest element within a collection of numbers. This skill is crucial for many data processing tasks, from analyzing sensor readings to determining the highest score in a game. Your goal is to implement a JavaScript function that efficiently identifies and returns the maximum value present in a given array of numbers.

Problem Description

Your task is to create a JavaScript function named findMaxValue that accepts a single argument: an array of numbers. The function should iterate through this array and return the largest number found.

Key Requirements:

• The function must be named findMaxValue.
• It must accept one parameter: an array of numbers.
• It must return a single number, which is the maximum value in the input array.

Expected Behavior:

• Given an array of positive integers, it should return the largest positive integer.
• Given an array containing negative integers, it should return the largest negative integer (closest to zero).
• Given an array with a mix of positive and negative integers, it should return the largest overall number.

Edge Cases to Consider:

• Empty Array: What should happen if the input array is empty? The problem statement implies an array of numbers, so you should consider how to handle this. A common approach is to return a specific value or throw an error. For this challenge, let's assume we should return undefined for an empty array.
• Array with a Single Element: The function should correctly return that single element.
• Arrays with Duplicate Maximums: If the maximum value appears multiple times, the function should still return that value.

Examples

Example 1:

Input: [1, 5, 3, 9, 2]
Output: 9
Explanation: The largest number in the array [1, 5, 3, 9, 2] is 9.

Example 2:

Input: [-10, -2, -5, -1]
Output: -1
Explanation: The largest number in the array [-10, -2, -5, -1] is -1.

Example 3:

Input: []
Output: undefined
Explanation: The input array is empty, so there is no maximum value to return.

Example 4:

Input: [42]
Output: 42
Explanation: The array contains only one element, which is also the maximum.

Example 5:

Input: [7, 1, 7, 3, 7]
Output: 7
Explanation: The maximum value 7 appears multiple times, and the function correctly returns 7.

Constraints

• The input array will contain only numbers (integers or floating-point).
• The array can be empty.
• The numbers in the array can be positive, negative, or zero.
• The size of the array can vary. There are no strict upper limits on the number of elements, but your solution should be reasonably efficient.

Notes

• Consider how you will initialize your variable that tracks the maximum value.
• Think about the logic needed to compare each element with the current maximum.
• You can use built-in JavaScript array methods or a loop to solve this. Aim for a clear and readable solution.
• The problem asks for the maximum value, not its index.