Operator Type:
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Function [other Function type actions]
Item [operators of similar scope]
Mathematical [other Mathematical operators]
Baseline
abs(argument)
abs() computes the absolute value of its argument. This is the non-negative value of argument without regard to its sign. Thus both these result in a $MyNumber value of 3.5:
$MyNumber = abs(3.5);
$MyNumber = abs(-3.5);
The operator can also evaluate a numerical attribute:
$MyNumber = abs($SomeNumber);
A numerical string attribute will be parsed to a number. If $MyString is a value of "-5", $MyNumber will be 5:
$MyNumber = abs($MyString);