JavaScript- Basic Algebra

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(Understanding code structure)

Much like algebra, in JavaScript, we have a set way of structuring code.
in algebra, variables are used to represent a value that is initially unknown.

(Example)

x = 1 + 2

In JavaScript, variables act as containers for storing values. We can declare the name of a variable and also assign it a value by using “var.”

(Example)

var x = 1 + 2;

In this example, the variable “x” has been assigned the value of 3.
Variables can also hold text values by placing the text in “quotation marks.”

(Example)

var x = "One";

In JavaScript, we refer to the text as a “string.” We will go into more detail with strings and their different uses as they pertain to FastField in a later article.

Each field in your form can hold a value, and as such, that value can be assigned to a variable.

(Example)

var x = $fieldkey_1$;

As usual, we place ‘$’ signs around our field key. Now that you have assigned “x” to the value of “fieldkey_1,” lets take it a bit further.

(Example)

var x = $fieldkey_1$;
var y = $fieldkey_2$;

return y+b;

Let’s say in this example that “x” (fieldkey_1) has an entered value of “3,” and that y (fieldkey_2) has an entered value of “5.” This would mean that we would “return” the value of “8.”

We can also add strings together; however, there are a few things you should be aware of.

• If you are adding things together if there is at least one string, it will concatenate (combine side by side) as opposed to mathematically adding them.

• Strings can contain numbers too, and they are not just limited to text.

(Example)

var x = "123";
var y = 123;

In this example, var “x” is a string, whilst var "y" is an integer (number).
If you were to add these two together, you would not get “246” you would instead get “123123.”

(Example)

var x = "123";
var y = 123;

return x+y;

123123

Again, this is because at least one of the items is a string. For more information on basic arithmitic in JavaScript, you can reference this article:
http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_arithmetic.asp

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