JavaScript BigInt

Overview of JavaScript Big Int

Welcome to our JavaScript BigInt tutorial! BigInt is a newer data type in JavaScript, introduced in ECMAScript 2020, designed to handle arbitrarily large integers beyond the range supported by the standard Number data type. BigInt can be used for a variety of applications, such as working with very large numbers, precise integer arithmetic, and cryptography.

JavaScript BigInt is a built-in object that provides a way to represent whole numbers larger than 2^53 – 1, the largest number JavaScript can reliably represent with the Number primitive. BigInt can be used for arbitrarily large integers, making it suitable for applications requiring precise calculations with large numbers.

In this tutorial, we’ll cover the basics of BigInt, including its syntax, usage, and limitations. We’ll also provide examples and practice questions to help you better understand how to work with BigInts in your code. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript BigInts and how to use them effectively in your projects.

Creating BigInts

BigInts can be created in two ways:

1. By appending an ‘n’ to the end of an integer literal:

const bigInt = 123456789012345678901234567890n;

2. By using the BigInt function:

const bigInt = BigInt("123456789012345678901234567890");

BigInt Operations

BigInts can be used with the standard arithmetic operators, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Example:

const a = 12345678901234567890n;
const b = 98765432109876543210n;

console.log(a + b); // Output: 111111111011111111100n
console.log(a * b); // Output: 1219326311370217952237463809025n

Note: Mixing BigInts with regular Numbers in arithmetic operations is not allowed and will result in a TypeError.

Using BigInt

BigInt can be used in various scenarios where precise calculations with large integers are required.

Cryptography

BigInt is useful for cryptographic applications where large prime numbers are involved.

Example:

function isPrime(num) {
  if (num < 2n) {
    return false;
  }

  for (let i = 2n; i * i <= num; i++) {
    if (num % i === 0n) {
      return false;
    }
  }

  return true;
}

const largePrime = 32416190071n;
console.log(isPrime(largePrime)); // Output: true

Financial Calculations

BigInt can be used for financial calculations where high precision is required.

Example:

function calculateInterest(principal, rate, time) {
  const interest = (principal * BigInt(rate) * BigInt(time)) / 100n;
  return principal + interest;
}

const principal = 1000000n; // 1 million
const rate = 7n; // 7% annual interest
const time = 10n; // 10 years

console.log(calculateInterest(principal, rate, time)); // Output: 1700000n

Practice Questions for Big Int in JS

1. What is the purpose of JavaScript BigInt?
2. How can you create a BigInt?
3. Can you mix BigInts with regular Numbers in arithmetic operations?
4. How can BigInt be used in cryptographic applications?
5. How can BigInt be used for financial calculations?

FAQs

Q: What is JavaScript BigInt?

A: JavaScript BigInt is a built-in object that provides a way to represent whole numbers larger than 2^53 – 1, the largest number JavaScript can reliably represent with the Number primitive.

Q: How do I create a BigInt?

A: BigInts can be created by appending an ‘n’ to the end of an integer literal or by using the BigInt function.

Q: Can I perform arithmetic operations with BigInts?

A: Yes, you can perform arithmetic operations with BigInts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, mixing BigInts with regular Numbers in arithmetic operations is not allowed.

Q: When should I use BigInt in my code?

A: BigInt is suitable for applications requiring precise calculations with large numbers, such as cryptography, financial calculations, or any other scenario where high precision is required.

Q: Can I use BigInt with the Math object?

A: No, the Math object works with Number primitives and does not support BigInt. You need to perform calculations with BigInts using their own arithmetic operators.