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JavaScript JavaScript Basics (Retired) Working With Numbers Numbers and Strings

Josh Puckett
Josh Puckett
2,787 Points
Posted by Josh Puckett
Josh Puckett
2,787 Points

Why is it parseInt(stringVar) and not stringVar.parseInt

Yes I know it doesn't work but what is the technical reason? It seems like it would be a useful string method...

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,007 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,007 Points

That's a cute idea.

I don't know why parseInt was not implemented as a string method. Maybe because it takes one more character to call it that way?

But you can always make it so yourself:

String.prototype.parseInt = function () { return parseInt(this); }

Remember to use parentheses when calling it: "stringVar.parseInt()"

Josh Puckett
Josh Puckett
2,787 Points
Josh Puckett
Josh Puckett
2,787 Points

ty, the only reason I could think of was it was a legacy thing