Convert a string containing a python list to a javasctipt array

Question

I have this string:

items = "['item1', 'item2']"

i need it to be a javascript array like this:

items = ['item1', 'item2']

i try this and it works:

items.replace("]","").replace("[","").replaceAll("'","").split(",");

and the result I obtained was as expected:

['item1', 'item2']

The question is: can the same be done in a simpler way?

easiest way: eval(items) or JSON.parse(items.replace(/'/g, '"')) — user5734311
– user5734311, Commented Apr 29, 2021 at 15:27
Required reading for eval: stackoverflow.com/questions/197769/… — pho
– pho, Commented Apr 29, 2021 at 15:42
Yeah, don't use eval, but JSON.parse is the way to go for stuff like this. — Nisala
– Nisala, Commented Apr 29, 2021 at 16:35
@MartinV please check my solution when you have a chance. It uses a regex expression to make the replacement simpler and then JSON.parse() to interpret the final result as JSON data. — Brandon McConnell
– Brandon McConnell, Commented Apr 29, 2021 at 18:41

Brandon McConnell · Accepted Answer · 2021-05-12 20:26:38Z

2

You can accomplish this very simply using a regex text replacement and JSON.parse():

const items = "['item1', 'item2']";

const array = JSON.parse(items.replace(/'/g, '\"'));

console.log(array);

If you would like to avoid JSON.parse() altogether, we can fine-tune the text replacement and use the .split() method like this:

const items = "['item1', 'item2']";

const array = items.replace(/\[|\]|\s|'/g,'').split(',');

console.log(array);

answered Apr 29, 2021 at 18:39

Brandon McConnell

6,1781 gold badge26 silver badges39 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

4 Comments

Thanks @Brandon McConnell! for your answer. Sorry but "items =" is the variable assignment, I did not specify.

Three examples, and none of them matches OP's actual input data...! :D

@MartinV No worries! That makes this even simpler. I’ll make this change and update my answer shortly.

@MartinV I corrected my solution per your clarification. Please check when you have a chance.