How to Use string.split() with Decimal Strings in JavaScript?

Why isn't string.split() working as expected with decimal values in JavaScript?

const str = '12.34, 56.78'; // Example string
const arr = str.split(','); // Splitting by comma
console.log(arr); // Expected Output: ['12.34', ' 56.78']

The string.split() function in JavaScript is designed to divide a string into an array of substrings based on a specified separator. If you're struggling with splitting strings that contain decimal numbers, there are important considerations to ensure the correct outputs.

const str = '12.34, 56.78'; // Example string with decimals
const arr = str.split(',').map(item => item.trim()); // Splitting and trimming
console.log(arr); // Output: ['12.34', '56.78']

Causes

• Using the wrong delimiter for splitting the string.
• Unexpected leading or trailing spaces in the decimal values.
• Not accounting for variations in the decimal format (e.g., different locales that use commas instead of periods).

Solutions

• Make sure to use the correct delimiter that matches the structure of your input strings.
• Trim spaces from each split string using the trim() function after splitting.
• Handle variations in decimal representations by accounting for different locale formats.

Mistake: Failing to specify the correct separator in string.split().

Solution: Double-check that the separator string matches the desired format (ex: commas, spaces, etc.).

Mistake: Not trimming whitespace which can lead to unexpected output.

Solution: Always use .trim() to eliminate unwanted spaces after splitting.