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FAQ: What is negative Infinity in JavaScript?

FAQ

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What is negative Infinity in JavaScript? In JavaScript, `Negative Infinity` is a constant value that represents a value lower than the lowest representable number. It can be understood as follows:

1. Definition: It’s defined as the value that is lower than any other number. In JavaScript, it can be represented as `-Infinity`.

2. How It’s Obtained: You can get `-Infinity` in several ways, such as dividing a negative number by zero, or as a result of an operation that goes beyond the lower limit of the floating point numbers JavaScript can represent.

3. Usage and Characteristics:

  • – It’s a property of the global object, so it can be referred to as `window.-Infinity` in browsers or `global.-Infinity` in Node.js.

  • – It behaves according to the rules of arithmetic for infinity: for instance, any negative number multiplied by `-Infinity` gives `Infinity`, and any positive number multiplied by `-Infinity` gives `-Infinity`.

  • – It’s useful in scenarios where you need to compare values and you want to start with a value that is guaranteed to be lower than all others.

  • – Unlike other numerical values, it’s not considered equal to any other value, including itself. This means `Negative Infinity === Negative Infinity` will return `false`.

4. Type and Checking: In JavaScript, `-Infinity` is a number type. You can check if a value is `-Infinity` using `isFinite()` function which will return `false` for both `Infinity` and `-Infinity`.

5. Differences from Other Languages: The concept of infinity is present in many programming languages, but its implementation and behavior can vary. In JavaScript, the handling of infinity is largely influenced by the IEEE Standard for Floating-Point Arithmetic (IEEE 754).

Remember, while `-Infinity` is a useful concept in certain mathematical or computational scenarios, it requires careful handling to avoid unintended consequences in your programs.

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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)

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I am a dedicated technology enthusiast with over 45 years of life experience, passionate about computers, AI, emerging technologies, and their real-world impact. As the founder of my personal blog, MiltonMarketing.com, I explore how AI, health tech, engineering, finance, and other advanced fields leverage innovation—not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a tool to enhance it. My focus is on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications, ensuring ethical, responsible, and transformative use across industries. MiltonMarketing.com is more than just a tech blog—it's a growing platform for expert insights. We welcome qualified writers and industry professionals from IT, AI, healthcare, engineering, HVAC, automotive, finance, and beyond to contribute their knowledge. If you have expertise to share in how AI and technology shape industries while complementing human skills, join us in driving meaningful conversations about the future of innovation. 🚀