> The value is given by the initial portion of the string.
  > If the string starts   with valid numeric data, this will
  > be the value used. Otherwise, the value will be 0 (zero).
  > Valid numeric data is an optional sign, followed by one
  > or more digits (optionally containing a decimal point),
  > followed by an optional exponent. The exponent is an 'e'
  > or 'E' followed by one or more digits.

  > If you compare a number with a string or the comparison
  > involves numerical strings, then each string is converted
  > to a number and the comparison performed numerically.