Javascript (or jQuery) string replacement

Question

So, I have strings pulled from a JSON array like this:

Hg22+
CO32-
Al3Cl23+

These numbers need to be superscript or subscript, with rules. It's only numbers 0-9, and if that number has a plus or minus after it, it needs to be superscript, meaning I need to change the string to 3+. All other numbers, if they haven't been superscripted, need to be subscripted. Here are a few examples of what I need:

C12H22O11 (s, sucrose) = 12H22O11 (s, sucrose)

Al3Cl23+ = Al3Cl23+

Hg22+ = Hg22+

I can do it, but very sloppily. I am really open to a good way to change string like above. If anyone can help out I'd be really appreciative!

Thanks!

How are you currently solving this, and what's wrong with that code? Please edit that into your question. — Nathan Tuggy
– Nathan Tuggy, Commented Jan 31, 2015 at 0:28
I didn't implement it, because I know it would have been completely gross and unwieldy. Definitely couldn't have used regex on my own, and I knew regex would be by far the best way to go. — mrphuzz
– mrphuzz, Commented Jan 31, 2015 at 23:37

Niet the Dark Absol · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-01 00:25:51Z

3

Easy.

var result = input.replace(/\d([+-]?)/g,function(match,plus) {
    var s = plus ? "sup" : "sub";
    return "<"+s+">"+match+"</"+s+">";
});

Done.

edited Feb 1, 2015 at 0:25

answered Jan 31, 2015 at 0:22

Niet the Dark Absol

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1 Comment

Kokizzu Over a year ago

first blood! XD but you're missing - and g flag

Kokizzu · Accepted Answer · 2015-01-31 00:28:57Z

1

Slightly modified from @Niet the Dark Absol's answer

var tests = ['Hg22+', 'CO32-', 'Al3Cl23+','C12H22O11 (s, sucrose)'];
function chemize(input) {
  return input.replace(/\d([\+\-]?)/g,function(match,plus) {
    var s = plus ? "sup" : "sub";
    return "<"+s+">"+match+"</"+s+">";
  });  
}
for(var z in tests) {
  var test = tests[z];
  console.log('"' + test + '" --> ' + chemize(test) );
}

Output:

"Hg22+" --> Hg<sub>2</sub><sup>2+</sup>
"CO32-" --> CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup>
"Al3Cl23+" --> Al<sub>3</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub><sup>3+</sup>
"C12H22O11 (s, sucrose)" --> C<sub>1</sub><sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub><sub>2</sub>O<sub>1</sub><sub>1</sub> (s, sucrose)

answered Jan 31, 2015 at 0:28

Kokizzu

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3 Comments

mrphuzz Over a year ago

Thanks both to you and Niet! I thought I replied last night, but apparently didn't. With the addition of the g flag to Niet's code, it was perfect... almost. As I was analyzing results, I noticed something I didn't catch before. Sometimes, there will be a plus or minus without a number preceding it. For example, "Cs+" or "Br- (aq)". In that case, the plus or minus would also need to be superscripted. Being that regex stuff makes my eyes go fuzzy, I am curious, what is the difference between your code and Niet's? Again, I REALLY appreciate the solutions! Never could have done it...

Kokizzu Over a year ago

there's nothing difference for now, previously his answer lacks of - (minus sign) and g (global replace)

Kokizzu Over a year ago

you could see his old answer here: stackoverflow.com/revisions/28246776/1

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