freeCodeCamp/guide/english/certifications/javascript-algorithms-and-data-structures/basic-javascript/comparison-with-the-strict-inequality-operator/index.md

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title: Comparison with the Strict Inequality Operator
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# Comparison with the Strict Inequality Operator

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## Problem Explanation
· _Add the `strict inequality operator` to the `if` statement so the function will return "Not Equal" when `val` is not strictly equal to `17`._


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## Hints

### Hint 1
The strict inequality operator (`!==`) will return `true` if the first value is not equal to the second one taking value type into consideration.



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## Solutions

<details><summary>Solution 1 (Click to Show/Hide)</summary>

```javascript
function testStrictNotEqual(val) {
  if (val !== 17) {
    return "Not equal";
  }
  return "Equal";
}

// Change this value to test
testStrictNotEqual(10);
```

#### Code Explanation
The function first evaluates `if` the condition `(val !== 17)` evaluates to `true` considering both value and value type. If it does, it returns the statement between the curly braces ("Not equal"). If it doesn't, it returns the next `return` statement outside them ("Equal"). 

#### Relevant Links

- ["Non-identity / strict inequality (!==)" - *MDN JavaScript reference*](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Operators/Comparison_Operators#Non-identity_strict_inequality_(!))
</details>