How to add two numbers in JavaScript without using the "+" operator?

#webdev #programming #productivity #javascript

We can add two numbers in Javascript without using the + operator. Let me show you how to do this computation using JS functions.

Let's start by declaring a function name add and pass in 2 parameters (a,b) to the function

const add = (a,b)=>{

}

After declaring the function, let's now add the logic in the function block that will do the computation.

const add = (a,b)=>{
for(i = 1; i <= b; i++ ){
a++
}
return a
}

We initiates a for loop. The loop starts with i equal to 1 and continues as long as i is less than or equal to b. i is incremented by 1 in each iteration.

a++

Inside the loop, a is being incremented by 1 in each iteration. This effectively adds 1 to a, b times.

return a;

After the loop finishes, the value of a is returned. This will be the original value of a plus b.

console.log(add(3, 5)); //output: 8

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Top comments (10)

seanhurwitz • Apr 15 '24

function add(x,y) {
return Array(x).fill("").concat(Array(y).fill("")).length
}

The Coder • Apr 15 '24

Great solution! However, it might not work well for large and negative numbers

wangzhi • Apr 15 '24

function add(x, y) {
    while (y != 0) {
        let carry = x & y;
        x = x ^ y;
        y = carry << 1;
    }
    return x;
}

The Coder • Apr 15 '24

Great solution! I think you should consider how it will handle floating point numbers!

CitronBrick • Apr 15 '24

Here's mine:

    function add(a,b) {
        return a - (b * -1);
    }

Thanking my 8th grade teachers for this :)

Slobi • Apr 16 '24 • Edited

function add(a,b) {
        return -(-a-b);
    }

The Coder • Apr 15 '24

Hey there! Your function for addition is clever and brings back some nostalgic memories with your shoutout to your 8th-grade teachers. I appreciate the humor and personal touch in the comment!