Convert string with commas to array

javascript arrays string deserialization
Scott picture Scott · Nov 7, 2012 · Viewed 1M times · Source

How can I convert a string to a JavaScript array?

Look at the code:

var string = "0,1";
var array = [string];
alert(array[0]);

In this case, alert would pop-up a 0,1. When it would be an array, it would pop-up a 0, and when alert(array[1]); is called, it should pop-up the 1.

Is there any chance to convert such string into a JavaScript array?

Answer

I Hate Lazy picture I Hate Lazy · Nov 7, 2012

For simple array members like that, you can use JSON.parse.

var array = JSON.parse("[" + string + "]");

This gives you an Array of numbers.

[0, 1]

If you use .split(), you'll end up with an Array of strings.

["0", "1"]

Just be aware that JSON.parse will limit you to the supported data types. If you need values like undefined or functions, you'd need to use eval(), or a JavaScript parser.

If you want to use .split(), but you also want an Array of Numbers, you could use Array.prototype.map, though you'd need to shim it for IE8 and lower or just write a traditional loop.

var array = string.split(",").map(Number);

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