Beginning JavaScript®, Fourth Edition

Chapter 2. Data Types and Variables

One of the main uses of computers is to process and display information. By processing, we mean the information is modified, interpreted, or filtered in some way by the computer. For example, on an online banking web site, a customer may request details of all moneys paid out from his account in the last month. Here the computer would retrieve the information, filter out any information not related to payments made in the last month, and then display what's left in a web page. In some situations, information is processed without being displayed, and at other times, information is obtained directly without being processed. For example, in a banking environment, regular payments may be processed and transferred electronically without any human interaction or display.

In computing, information is referred to as data. Data come in all sorts of forms, such as numbers, text, dates, and times, to mention just a few. In this chapter, you look specifically at how JavaScript handles data such as numbers and text. An understanding of how data are handled is fundamental to any programming language.

The chapter starts by looking at the various types of data JavaScript can process. Then you look at how you can store these data in the computer's memory so you can use them again and again in the code. Finally, you see how to use JavaScript to manipulate and process the data.

Types of Data in JavaScript

Data can come in many different forms, or types. You'll recognize ...