.toString vs toNumber confusion

[TimeKeyRoll]

Hi! We are using .toString so numbers comes as string so it does not have any BIgNumber problem. In the same line we are using toNumber so there would be no problem with bigNumber thing? if no then why at the first place we use toString and another place toNumber? So what is the reason to use ?

availableBorrowsETH.toString() * (1 / daiPrice.toNumber())

[astr0-g]

The tostring() function converts a number to a string

The tonumber() function converts a string to a number

[TimeKeyRoll]

Lol Great! I mean I knew this but question was different. Anyway thanks tho.

[othaime-en]

Hey @TimeKeyRoll the difference with the way we use .toNumber() and .toString() is in the size of the number. In the case above, we used to .toString() on availableBorrowsETH because it was BigNumber (16500000000000000) that is waay above what javascript can handle . That's why we converted it to a string because .toNumber() wouldn't just work. On the other hand, daiPrice is a little smaller (735870000000000) that when converted to a number it doesn't overflow. It is slightly below the limit of how big a number can be in javascript.

Sidenote: javascript can only handle numbers upto 2**53 If you do the calculation, availableBorrowsETH is above this limit while daiPrice is below it.

[TimeKeyRoll]

Got the difference. However I feel somehow it's not very convenient to remember /check what we need to use. Right!? What if eliminate the usage of 'toNumber' and only use 'toString' so don't have to wonder what to use. Will that occur any problem!? Or it gasoline wise expensive?

[othaime-en]

Yeah it is okay to just use .toString() javascript is peculiar in that way that it will allow you to multiply strings ("10" * "10" = 100). It is fine to use .toString() only, helps reduce depression lol.
This is fine and it has no effect on gas. Remember, that we only use javascript to interact with the blockchain so whatever we do, we are modifying what the blockchain has given us to put it in a more presentable way. This has nothing to do with gas so it won't be expensive.

[TimeKeyRoll]

Great! I understand the difference and now i know for my own sanity I could use toString without impacting my brain tissues. lol I mean i can But for now i would like to go smooth until I feel all good in my head haha thanks @othaime-en As always you never disappoint anyone in explaining. Appreciated.

[othaime-en]

Yeah just take it slow for now until you are well versed with the concept.
Glad I helped :)
All the best Master of Blockchain ;)