javascript

CHAPTER 2 ■ TYPE CONVERSION
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Decoding or Encoding Characters
For nonkeyboard characters, it’s typically simpler to work with the Unicode encoding than the
character. For example, Dr. Otto Günther Octavius is the secret identity of one of Spider-Man’s
archenemies, Doctor Octopus. Rather than try to type the ü in Günther, pass its Unicode encoding (252)
to String.fromCharCode() like so in Firebug, verifying your work with Figure 2–7:
var id = "Dr. Otto G" + String.fromCharCode(252) + "nther Octavius";
id;
// "Dr. Otto Günther Octavius"
Figure 2–7. String.fromCharCode() provides a way to insert nonkeyboard characters.
Conversely, it’s simpler to encode the ü and work with 252, say in a comparison, than to try to type
the ü. To do so, pass the index to charCodeAt(), which returns the Unicode encoding rather than the
character, as its partner in crime, charAt(), would. Although the following two comparisons are
equivalent, I’m guessing you were only able to key in the first in Firebug. Figure 2–8 displays both,
however.
var id = "Dr. Otto G" + String.fromCharCode(252) + "nther Octavius";
id.charCodeAt(10) === 252;
// true
id.charAt(10) === "ü";
// true