How Do You Convert Numbers Between Different Bases In Javascript

When you're working with numbers in Javascript, you may come across the need to convert them between different bases. This process might sound a bit intimidating at first, but fear not! Converting numbers between different bases in Javascript is actually a straightforward task once you grasp the basic concepts behind it.

Before diving into the conversion process, let's quickly review what different bases mean. The base of a number system determines the available digits to represent values. For example, the decimal system we are most familiar with is base 10, where we use digits from 0 to 9. Another common base is binary, which is base 2, using only 0s and 1s.

Let's say you have a number in base 10 (decimal) and you want to convert it to binary (base 2). In Javascript, you can easily achieve this using the built-in `toString()` method. Here's a simple example:

let decimalNumber = 42;
let binaryNumber = decimalNumber.toString(2);

console.log(binaryNumber); // Output: 101010

In this code snippet, we first define a decimal number `42` and then use the `toString()` method with the parameter `2` to convert it to binary. The resulting binary representation of `42` is `101010`.

Converting numbers from one base to another can sometimes involve more custom logic, especially for bases other than 2 or 10. For a more generic approach, you can utilize Javascript functions like `parseInt()` and `toString()`.

If you have a number in a specific base (let's say base 8, octal) as a string and you want to convert it to decimal (base 10), you can use `parseInt()` with the appropriate base parameter like this:

let octalNumber = '52';
let decimalNumber = parseInt(octalNumber, 8);

console.log(decimalNumber); // Output: 42

In this code snippet, we have an octal number `'52'`, and by using `parseInt()` with the base `8`, we convert it to decimal, which is `42`.

Conversely, if you have a decimal number and you want to convert it to another base like octal, you can combine `parseInt()` with `toString()` as shown below:

let decimalNumber = 42;
let octalNumber = decimalNumber.toString(8);

console.log(octalNumber); // Output: 52

In this example, the decimal number `42` is converted to octal by using `toString(8)`, resulting in `52`.

By understanding these fundamental techniques, you can confidently handle number conversions between different bases in Javascript. Whether you're converting from decimal to binary, octal to decimal, or any other base conversion, Javascript provides the tools you need to accomplish these tasks efficiently. So go ahead, give it a try, and explore the fascinating world of number systems in Javascript!