ToExpression

ToExpression[input] gives the expression obtained by interpreting strings or boxes as Mathematica input.

ToExpression[input, form] uses interpretation rules corresponding to the specified form.

ToExpression[input, form, h] wraps the head h around the expression produced before evaluating it.

Example: ToExpression["1 + 1"] .

form can be InputForm, StandardForm, TraditionalForm or MathMLForm.

ToExpression["string"] uses InputForm interpretation rules.

ToExpression[boxes] uses StandardForm interpretation rules.

ToExpression prints a message and returns $Failed if it finds a syntax error. ToExpression does not call $SyntaxHandler.

The input given in ToExpression can correspond to multiple Mathematica expressions. ToExpression processes each one in turn, just like Get.

ToExpression[input, form, Hold] can be used to convert input to an expression, but with the expression wrapped in Hold to prevent evaluation.

ToExpression uses any relevant definitions given for MakeExpression.

See The Mathematica Book: Section 2.8.4.

See also: Symbol, MakeExpression, ToString, ToBoxes, SyntaxQ, SyntaxLength, Read, Get.

Further Examples