How to Say “Not Equal To” in JavaScript

JavaScript is a versatile programming language used to add interactivity and dynamic features to web pages. When working with JavaScript, it’s essential to understand how to compare values and determine if they are equal. However, there are situations where you also need to check if two values are not equal. In this guide, we will explore multiple ways to express “not equal to” in JavaScript, including both formal and informal approaches.

Formal Ways to Say “Not Equal To” in JavaScript

In formal JavaScript syntax, there are mainly two ways to express “not equal to.” These methods use different operators and help you evaluate whether two values are different:

Using the “Strict Inequality” Operator (!==)

The first formal way to express “not equal to” in JavaScript is by using the !== operator. This operator is known as the “strict inequality” operator, which checks for both value and type equality. Here’s an example:

x !== y evaluates to true if x is not equal to y.

The !== operator returns true if the values being compared are not equal, regardless of their types. For example:

5 !== 7 // true "hello" !== "Hello" // true true !== false // true 10 !== "10" // true 

Using the “Abstract Inequality” Operator (!=)

The second formal approach uses the != operator, called the “abstract inequality” operator. Although it also checks for inequality, it performs implicit type conversion before comparison. Here’s an example of using !=:

x != y evaluates to true if x is not equal to y.

The != operator only checks for value inequality, so it may perform type conversion before evaluating. Examples include:

5 != 7 // true "hello" != "Hello" // true (case-insensitive) true != false // true 10 != "10" // false (implicit type conversion) 

Informal Ways to Say “Not Equal To” in JavaScript

While developers widely understand the !== and != operators, there are some informal ways to express “not equal to” within the JavaScript community. Although they may not be considered “best practice” due to potential confusion or readability concerns, it’s helpful to be aware of these alternative expressions.

Using the “Bang Equal” Operator (!=)

The “bang equal” operator, !=, is an informal variation of the “abstract inequality” operator. It is equivalent to the != operator and performs the same value inequality check:

5 != 7 // true "hello" != "Hello" // true (case-insensitive) true != false // true 10 != "10" // false (implicit type conversion) 

Using the “Negation” Operator (!)

Another informal approach to expressing “not equal to” is by using both ! (negation) and == (abstract equality) operators together. Here’s an example:

!(x == y) // true if x is not equal to y 

In this case, !(x == y) will evaluate to true if x is not equal to y, and false if they are equal.

Conclusion

When working with JavaScript, understanding how to perform “not equal to” comparisons is crucial. In this guide, we explored both formal and informal approaches to express “not equal to” in JavaScript. By using the !== or != operators, you can precisely check for inequality based on value, type, or both. While informal variations like != and !(x == y) exist, sticking to the standard operators is recommended for better code readability and maintainability.

Remember, mastering the fundamentals of JavaScript operators, including “not equal to,” will enable you to produce reliable and efficient code in your web development projects.