Question

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 shows 0,1. If it where an array, it would show 0. And if alert(array[1]) is called, it should pop-up 1

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

Answer 1

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

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

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This gives you an Array of numbers.

[0, 1]

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

["0", "1"]

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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.

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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);