Plain number field is returned as a string value when using field()

[Digitale-Substanz]

I have a CPT pod with a field of type plain number. When I fetch the pod and output the entries using field() (not display()), values of the plain number field are shown as strings rather than integers.

$args = array( 'limit' => -1 );
$pod = pods( 'profiles', $args );
while ( $pod->fetch() ){
    var_dump( $pod->field( 'counter' ), true );
}

The output of var_dump would be str(1) "3" instead of int(3).

The field in concern is also set to Make field "Read Only" in UI in the advanced field settings as the value should be manipulated programmatically.

[JoryHogeveen]

Might be an enhancement for this field, but keep in mind that metadata is allways a string in WP.
A quick fix would be to parse it as an int: (int) $pod->field( 'counter' )

[quasel]

that's how WordPress works ;) and with php being a loosely typed language ;)