Convert string with commas to array

Understanding the split method

The split() method separates a string into an array of substrings, using a specific delimiter, like a comma. It's ideal for manipulating CSV data or any comma-separated strings.

Advanced split usage

For strings with varied delimiters or extra whitespace, you might want to use a regular expression with the split method:

// Fruits - arguably the most contribution to human evolution after Netflix
let data = "apple, banana, cherry";
let fruits = data.split(/\s*,\s*/);


Here, fruits turns into ["apple", "banana", "cherry"], ignoring any whitespace around the commas.

Dealing with numeric strings

Sometimes, strings represent numerical data. In this case, use split() and map(Number) to convert the strings into numbers:

// NumBers (pun intended) or simply, numbers
let numString = "1, 2, 3";
let numArray = numString.split(',').map(Number);


The numArray now becomes [1, 2, 3].

Working with complex JSON strings

For complex data represented as JSON, yours truly - JSON.parse() comes to the rescue. However, be mindful to format your strings properly:

// JSON - not your average Joe
let jsonString = '["one", "two", "three"]';
let jsonArr = JSON.parse(jsonString);


No magic here, simply jsonArr becomes ["one", "two", "three"].

Advanced splitting and conversion techniques

Sometimes, the basic split() method might not be enough. Here are some additional strategies:

Dealing with special characters

If a string contains special characters, like quotation marks, you may need to escape them:

// "Special" is just code for "interesting"
let specialString = "\"one\",\"two\",\"three\"";
let escapedArray = specialString.split(/","/).map(s => s.replace(/^"|"$/g, ''));


Our escapedArray is now ["one", "two", "three"].

An introduction to Array.from in ES6

The Array.from() method, introduced in ES6, allows the conversion of array-like objects or iterables into real arrays:

// Breaking down strings, much like my last relationship
let charArray = Array.from("12345");


Just like that, charArray becomes ['1', '2', '3', '4', '5'].

Understanding JSON.parse's quirks

While JSON.parse() is truly effective, it's a fussy eater and only accepts valid JSON formats. Before using it:

// JSON syntax is like a difficult friend, nice but very particular
let trickyString = "{ 'one': 1, 'two': 2 }".replace(/'/g, '\"');
let parsedObject = JSON.parse(trickyString);


Ensure to replace single quotes with double quotes to avoid JSON.parse() getting a stomach upset due to invalid JSON syntax.