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1<!---
2
3SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD-2-Clause
4
5Copyright (c) 2018-2023 Gavin D. Howard and contributors.
6
7Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
8modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
9
10* Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this
11  list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
12
13* Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice,
14  this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation
15  and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
16
17THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS"
18AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
19IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
20ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE
21LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
22CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF
23SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS
24INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN
25CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
26ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE
27POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
28
29-->
30
31# Name
32
33dc - arbitrary-precision decimal reverse-Polish notation calculator
34
35# SYNOPSIS
36
37{{ A H N HN }}
38**dc** [**-cChiPRvVx**] [**-\-version**] [**-\-help**] [**-\-digit-clamp**] [**-\-no-digit-clamp**] [**-\-interactive**] [**-\-no-prompt**] [**-\-no-read-prompt**] [**-\-extended-register**] [**-e** *expr*] [**-\-expression**=*expr*...] [**-f** *file*...] [**-\-file**=*file*...] [*file*...] [**-I** *ibase*] [**-\-ibase**=*ibase*] [**-O** *obase*] [**-\-obase**=*obase*] [**-S** *scale*] [**-\-scale**=*scale*] [**-E** *seed*] [**-\-seed**=*seed*]
39{{ end }}
40{{ E EH EN EHN }}
41**dc** [**-cChiPRvVx**] [**-\-version**] [**-\-help**] [**-\-digit-clamp**] [**-\-no-digit-clamp**] [**-\-interactive**] [**-\-no-prompt**] [**-\-no-read-prompt**] [**-\-extended-register**] [**-e** *expr*] [**-\-expression**=*expr*...] [**-f** *file*...] [**-\-file**=*file*...] [*file*...]
42{{ end }}
43
44# DESCRIPTION
45
46dc(1) is an arbitrary-precision calculator. It uses a stack (reverse Polish
47notation) to store numbers and results of computations. Arithmetic operations
48pop arguments off of the stack and push the results.
49
50If no files are given on the command-line, then dc(1) reads from **stdin** (see
51the **STDIN** section). Otherwise, those files are processed, and dc(1) will
52then exit.
53
54If a user wants to set up a standard environment, they can use **DC_ENV_ARGS**
55(see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section). For example, if a user wants the
56**scale** always set to **10**, they can set **DC_ENV_ARGS** to **-e 10k**, and
57this dc(1) will always start with a **scale** of **10**.
58
59# OPTIONS
60
61The following are the options that dc(1) accepts.
62
63**-C**, **-\-no-digit-clamp**
64
65:   Disables clamping of digits greater than or equal to the current **ibase**
66    when parsing numbers.
67
68    This means that the value added to a number from a digit is always that
69    digit's value multiplied by the value of ibase raised to the power of the
70    digit's position, which starts from 0 at the least significant digit.
71
72    If this and/or the **-c** or **-\-digit-clamp** options are given multiple
73    times, the last one given is used.
74
75    This option overrides the **DC_DIGIT_CLAMP** environment variable (see the
76    **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section) and the default, which can be queried
77    with the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
78
79    This is a **non-portable extension**.
80
81**-c**, **-\-digit-clamp**
82
83:   Enables clamping of digits greater than or equal to the current **ibase**
84    when parsing numbers.
85
86    This means that digits that the value added to a number from a digit that is
87    greater than or equal to the ibase is the value of ibase minus 1 all
88    multiplied by the value of ibase raised to the power of the digit's
89    position, which starts from 0 at the least significant digit.
90
91    If this and/or the **-C** or **-\-no-digit-clamp** options are given
92    multiple times, the last one given is used.
93
94    This option overrides the **DC_DIGIT_CLAMP** environment variable (see the
95    **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section) and the default, which can be queried
96    with the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
97
98    This is a **non-portable extension**.
99{{ A H N HN }}
100
101**-E** *seed*, **-\-seed**=*seed*
102
103:   Sets the builtin variable **seed** to the value *seed* assuming that *seed*
104    is in base 10. It is a fatal error if *seed* is not a valid number.
105
106    If multiple instances of this option are given, the last is used.
107
108    This is a **non-portable extension**.
109{{ end }}
110
111**-e** *expr*, **-\-expression**=*expr*
112
113:   Evaluates *expr*. If multiple expressions are given, they are evaluated in
114    order. If files are given as well (see below), the expressions and files are
115    evaluated in the order given. This means that if a file is given before an
116    expression, the file is read in and evaluated first.
117
118    If this option is given on the command-line (i.e., not in **DC_ENV_ARGS**,
119    see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section), then after processing all
120    expressions and files, dc(1) will exit, unless **-** (**stdin**) was given
121    as an argument at least once to **-f** or **-\-file**, whether on the
122    command-line or in **DC_ENV_ARGS**. However, if any other **-e**,
123    **-\-expression**, **-f**, or **-\-file** arguments are given after **-f-**
124    or equivalent is given, dc(1) will give a fatal error and exit.
125
126    This is a **non-portable extension**.
127
128**-f** *file*, **-\-file**=*file*
129
130:   Reads in *file* and evaluates it, line by line, as though it were read
131    through **stdin**. If expressions are also given (see above), the
132    expressions are evaluated in the order given.
133
134    If this option is given on the command-line (i.e., not in **DC_ENV_ARGS**,
135    see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section), then after processing all
136    expressions and files, dc(1) will exit, unless **-** (**stdin**) was given
137    as an argument at least once to **-f** or **-\-file**. However, if any other
138    **-e**, **-\-expression**, **-f**, or **-\-file** arguments are given after
139    **-f-** or equivalent is given, dc(1) will give a fatal error and exit.
140
141    This is a **non-portable extension**.
142
143**-h**, **-\-help**
144
145:   Prints a usage message and exits.
146
147**-I** *ibase*, **-\-ibase**=*ibase*
148
149:   Sets the builtin variable **ibase** to the value *ibase* assuming that
150    *ibase* is in base 10. It is a fatal error if *ibase* is not a valid number.
151
152    If multiple instances of this option are given, the last is used.
153
154    This is a **non-portable extension**.
155
156**-i**, **-\-interactive**
157
158:   Forces interactive mode. (See the **INTERACTIVE MODE** section.)
159
160    This is a **non-portable extension**.
161
162**-L**, **-\-no-line-length**
163
164:   Disables line length checking and prints numbers without backslashes and
165    newlines. In other words, this option sets **BC_LINE_LENGTH** to **0** (see
166    the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section).
167
168    This is a **non-portable extension**.
169
170**-O** *obase*, **-\-obase**=*obase*
171
172:   Sets the builtin variable **obase** to the value *obase* assuming that
173    *obase* is in base 10. It is a fatal error if *obase* is not a valid number.
174
175    If multiple instances of this option are given, the last is used.
176
177    This is a **non-portable extension**.
178
179**-P**, **-\-no-prompt**
180
181:   Disables the prompt in TTY mode. (The prompt is only enabled in TTY mode.
182    See the **TTY MODE** section.) This is mostly for those users that do not
183    want a prompt or are not used to having them in dc(1). Most of those users
184    would want to put this option in **DC_ENV_ARGS**.
185
186    These options override the **DC_PROMPT** and **DC_TTY_MODE** environment
187    variables (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section).
188
189    This is a **non-portable extension**.
190
191**-R**, **-\-no-read-prompt**
192
193:   Disables the read prompt in TTY mode. (The read prompt is only enabled in
194    TTY mode. See the **TTY MODE** section.) This is mostly for those users that
195    do not want a read prompt or are not used to having them in dc(1). Most of
196    those users would want to put this option in **BC_ENV_ARGS** (see the
197    **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section). This option is also useful in hash bang
198    lines of dc(1) scripts that prompt for user input.
199
200    This option does not disable the regular prompt because the read prompt is
201    only used when the **?** command is used.
202
203    These options *do* override the **DC_PROMPT** and **DC_TTY_MODE**
204    environment variables (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section), but only
205    for the read prompt.
206
207    This is a **non-portable extension**.
208
209**-S** *scale*, **-\-scale**=*scale*
210
211:   Sets the builtin variable **scale** to the value *scale* assuming that
212    *scale* is in base 10. It is a fatal error if *scale* is not a valid number.
213
214    If multiple instances of this option are given, the last is used.
215
216    This is a **non-portable extension**.
217
218**-v**, **-V**, **-\-version**
219
220:   Print the version information (copyright header) and exits.
221
222**-x** **-\-extended-register**
223
224:   Enables extended register mode. See the *Extended Register Mode* subsection
225    of the **REGISTERS** section for more information.
226
227    This is a **non-portable extension**.
228
229**-z**, **-\-leading-zeroes**
230
231:   Makes dc(1) print all numbers greater than **-1** and less than **1**, and
232    not equal to **0**, with a leading zero.
233
234    This is a **non-portable extension**.
235
236All long options are **non-portable extensions**.
237
238# STDIN
239
240If no files are given on the command-line and no files or expressions are given
241by the **-f**, **-\-file**, **-e**, or **-\-expression** options, then dc(1)
242reads from **stdin**.
243
244However, there is a caveat to this.
245
246First, **stdin** is evaluated a line at a time. The only exception to this is if
247a string has been finished, but not ended. This means that, except for escaped
248brackets, all brackets must be balanced before dc(1) parses and executes.
249
250# STDOUT
251
252Any non-error output is written to **stdout**. In addition, if history (see the
253**HISTORY** section) and the prompt (see the **TTY MODE** section) are enabled,
254both are output to **stdout**.
255
256**Note**: Unlike other dc(1) implementations, this dc(1) will issue a fatal
257error (see the **EXIT STATUS** section) if it cannot write to **stdout**, so if
258**stdout** is closed, as in **dc <file> >&-**, it will quit with an error. This
259is done so that dc(1) can report problems when **stdout** is redirected to a
260file.
261
262If there are scripts that depend on the behavior of other dc(1) implementations,
263it is recommended that those scripts be changed to redirect **stdout** to
264**/dev/null**.
265
266# STDERR
267
268Any error output is written to **stderr**.
269
270**Note**: Unlike other dc(1) implementations, this dc(1) will issue a fatal
271error (see the **EXIT STATUS** section) if it cannot write to **stderr**, so if
272**stderr** is closed, as in **dc <file> 2>&-**, it will quit with an error. This
273is done so that dc(1) can exit with an error code when **stderr** is redirected
274to a file.
275
276If there are scripts that depend on the behavior of other dc(1) implementations,
277it is recommended that those scripts be changed to redirect **stderr** to
278**/dev/null**.
279
280# SYNTAX
281
282Each item in the input source code, either a number (see the **NUMBERS**
283section) or a command (see the **COMMANDS** section), is processed and executed,
284in order. Input is processed immediately when entered.
285
286**ibase** is a register (see the **REGISTERS** section) that determines how to
287interpret constant numbers. It is the "input" base, or the number base used for
288interpreting input numbers. **ibase** is initially **10**. The max allowable
289value for **ibase** is **16**. The min allowable value for **ibase** is **2**.
290The max allowable value for **ibase** can be queried in dc(1) programs with the
291**T** command.
292
293**obase** is a register (see the **REGISTERS** section) that determines how to
294output results. It is the "output" base, or the number base used for outputting
295numbers. **obase** is initially **10**. The max allowable value for **obase** is
296**DC_BASE_MAX** and can be queried with the **U** command. The min allowable
297{{ A H N HN }}
298value for **obase** is **0**. If **obase** is **0**, values are output in
299scientific notation, and if **obase** is **1**, values are output in engineering
300notation. Otherwise, values are output in the specified base.
301
302Outputting in scientific and engineering notations are **non-portable
303extensions**.
304{{ end }}
305{{ E EH EN EHN }}
306value for **obase** is **2**. Values are output in the specified base.
307{{ end }}
308
309The *scale* of an expression is the number of digits in the result of the
310expression right of the decimal point, and **scale** is a register (see the
311**REGISTERS** section) that sets the precision of any operations (with
312exceptions). **scale** is initially **0**. **scale** cannot be negative. The max
313allowable value for **scale** can be queried in dc(1) programs with the **V**
314command.
315
316{{ A H N HN }}
317**seed** is a register containing the current seed for the pseudo-random number
318generator. If the current value of **seed** is queried and stored, then if it is
319assigned to **seed** later, the pseudo-random number generator is guaranteed to
320produce the same sequence of pseudo-random numbers that were generated after the
321value of **seed** was first queried.
322
323Multiple values assigned to **seed** can produce the same sequence of
324pseudo-random numbers. Likewise, when a value is assigned to **seed**, it is not
325guaranteed that querying **seed** immediately after will return the same value.
326In addition, the value of **seed** will change after any call to the **'**
327command or the **"** command that does not get receive a value of **0** or
328**1**. The maximum integer returned by the **'** command can be queried with the
329**W** command.
330
331**Note**: The values returned by the pseudo-random number generator with the
332**'** and **"** commands are guaranteed to **NOT** be cryptographically secure.
333This is a consequence of using a seeded pseudo-random number generator. However,
334they *are* guaranteed to be reproducible with identical **seed** values. This
335means that the pseudo-random values from dc(1) should only be used where a
336reproducible stream of pseudo-random numbers is *ESSENTIAL*. In any other case,
337use a non-seeded pseudo-random number generator.
338
339The pseudo-random number generator, **seed**, and all associated operations are
340**non-portable extensions**.
341{{ end }}
342
343## Comments
344
345Comments go from **#** until, and not including, the next newline. This is a
346**non-portable extension**.
347
348# NUMBERS
349
350Numbers are strings made up of digits, uppercase letters up to **F**, and at
351most **1** period for a radix. Numbers can have up to **DC_NUM_MAX** digits.
352Uppercase letters are equal to **9** plus their position in the alphabet (i.e.,
353**A** equals **10**, or **9+1**).
354
355If a digit or letter makes no sense with the current value of **ibase** (i.e.,
356they are greater than or equal to the current value of **ibase**), then the
357behavior depends on the existence of the **-c**/**-\-digit-clamp** or
358**-C**/**-\-no-digit-clamp** options (see the **OPTIONS** section), the
359existence and setting of the **DC_DIGIT_CLAMP** environment variable (see the
360**ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section), or the default, which can be queried with
361the **-h**/**-\-help** option.
362
363If clamping is off, then digits or letters that are greater than or equal to the
364current value of **ibase** are not changed. Instead, their given value is
365multiplied by the appropriate power of **ibase** and added into the number. This
366means that, with an **ibase** of **3**, the number **AB** is equal to
367**3\^1\*A+3\^0\*B**, which is **3** times **10** plus **11**, or **41**.
368
369If clamping is on, then digits or letters that are greater than or equal to the
370current value of **ibase** are set to the value of the highest valid digit in
371**ibase** before being multiplied by the appropriate power of **ibase** and
372added into the number. This means that, with an **ibase** of **3**, the number
373**AB** is equal to **3\^1\*2+3\^0\*2**, which is **3** times **2** plus **2**,
374or **8**.
375
376There is one exception to clamping: single-character numbers (i.e., **A**
377alone). Such numbers are never clamped and always take the value they would have
378in the highest possible **ibase**. This means that **A** alone always equals
379decimal **10** and **Z** alone always equals decimal **35**. This behavior is
380mandated by the standard for bc(1) (see the STANDARDS section) and is meant to
381provide an easy way to set the current **ibase** (with the **i** command)
382regardless of the current value of **ibase**.
383
384If clamping is on, and the clamped value of a character is needed, use a leading
385zero, i.e., for **A**, use **0A**.
386
387{{ A H N HN }}
388In addition, dc(1) accepts numbers in scientific notation. These have the form
389**\<number\>e\<integer\>**. The exponent (the portion after the **e**) must be
390an integer. An example is **1.89237e9**, which is equal to **1892370000**.
391Negative exponents are also allowed, so **4.2890e_3** is equal to **0.0042890**.
392
393**WARNING**: Both the number and the exponent in scientific notation are
394interpreted according to the current **ibase**, but the number is still
395multiplied by **10\^exponent** regardless of the current **ibase**. For example,
396if **ibase** is **16** and dc(1) is given the number string **FFeA**, the
397resulting decimal number will be **2550000000000**, and if dc(1) is given the
398number string **10e_4**, the resulting decimal number will be **0.0016**.
399
400Accepting input as scientific notation is a **non-portable extension**.
401{{ end }}
402
403# COMMANDS
404
405The valid commands are listed below.
406
407## Printing
408
409These commands are used for printing.
410
411{{ A H N HN }}
412Note that both scientific notation and engineering notation are available for
413printing numbers. Scientific notation is activated by assigning **0** to
414**obase** using **0o**, and engineering notation is activated by assigning **1**
415to **obase** using **1o**. To deactivate them, just assign a different value to
416**obase**.
417
418Printing numbers in scientific notation and/or engineering notation is a
419**non-portable extension**.
420{{ end }}
421
422**p**
423
424:   Prints the value on top of the stack, whether number or string, and prints a
425    newline after.
426
427    This does not alter the stack.
428
429**n**
430
431:   Prints the value on top of the stack, whether number or string, and pops it
432    off of the stack.
433
434**P**
435
436:   Pops a value off the stack.
437
438    If the value is a number, it is truncated and the absolute value of the
439    result is printed as though **obase** is **256** and each digit is
440    interpreted as an 8-bit ASCII character, making it a byte stream.
441
442    If the value is a string, it is printed without a trailing newline.
443
444    This is a **non-portable extension**.
445
446**f**
447
448:   Prints the entire contents of the stack, in order from newest to oldest,
449    without altering anything.
450
451    Users should use this command when they get lost.
452
453## Arithmetic
454
455These are the commands used for arithmetic.
456
457**+**
458
459:   The top two values are popped off the stack, added, and the result is pushed
460    onto the stack. The *scale* of the result is equal to the max *scale* of
461    both operands.
462
463**-**
464
465:   The top two values are popped off the stack, subtracted, and the result is
466    pushed onto the stack. The *scale* of the result is equal to the max
467    *scale* of both operands.
468
469**\***
470
471:   The top two values are popped off the stack, multiplied, and the result is
472    pushed onto the stack. If **a** is the *scale* of the first expression and
473    **b** is the *scale* of the second expression, the *scale* of the result
474    is equal to **min(a+b,max(scale,a,b))** where **min()** and **max()** return
475    the obvious values.
476
477**/**
478
479:   The top two values are popped off the stack, divided, and the result is
480    pushed onto the stack. The *scale* of the result is equal to **scale**.
481
482    The first value popped off of the stack must be non-zero.
483
484**%**
485
486:   The top two values are popped off the stack, remaindered, and the result is
487    pushed onto the stack.
488
489    Remaindering is equivalent to 1) Computing **a/b** to current **scale**, and
490    2) Using the result of step 1 to calculate **a-(a/b)\*b** to *scale*
491    **max(scale+scale(b),scale(a))**.
492
493    The first value popped off of the stack must be non-zero.
494
495**~**
496
497:   The top two values are popped off the stack, divided and remaindered, and
498    the results (divided first, remainder second) are pushed onto the stack.
499    This is equivalent to **x y / x y %** except that **x** and **y** are only
500    evaluated once.
501
502    The first value popped off of the stack must be non-zero.
503
504    This is a **non-portable extension**.
505
506**\^**
507
508:   The top two values are popped off the stack, the second is raised to the
509    power of the first, and the result is pushed onto the stack. The *scale* of
510    the result is equal to **scale**.
511
512    The first value popped off of the stack must be an integer, and if that
513    value is negative, the second value popped off of the stack must be
514    non-zero.
515
516**v**
517
518:   The top value is popped off the stack, its square root is computed, and the
519    result is pushed onto the stack. The *scale* of the result is equal to
520    **scale**.
521
522    The value popped off of the stack must be non-negative.
523
524**\_**
525
526:   If this command *immediately* precedes a number (i.e., no spaces or other
527    commands), then that number is input as a negative number.
528
529    Otherwise, the top value on the stack is popped and copied, and the copy is
530    negated and pushed onto the stack. This behavior without a number is a
531    **non-portable extension**.
532
533**b**
534
535:   The top value is popped off the stack, and if it is zero, it is pushed back
536    onto the stack. Otherwise, its absolute value is pushed onto the stack.
537
538    This is a **non-portable extension**.
539
540**|**
541
542:   The top three values are popped off the stack, a modular exponentiation is
543    computed, and the result is pushed onto the stack.
544
545    The first value popped is used as the reduction modulus and must be an
546    integer and non-zero. The second value popped is used as the exponent and
547    must be an integer and non-negative. The third value popped is the base and
548    must be an integer.
549
550    This is a **non-portable extension**.
551
552{{ A H N HN }}
553**\$**
554
555:   The top value is popped off the stack and copied, and the copy is truncated
556    and pushed onto the stack.
557
558    This is a **non-portable extension**.
559
560**\@**
561
562:   The top two values are popped off the stack, and the precision of the second
563    is set to the value of the first, whether by truncation or extension.
564
565    The first value popped off of the stack must be an integer and non-negative.
566
567    This is a **non-portable extension**.
568
569**H**
570
571:   The top two values are popped off the stack, and the second is shifted left
572    (radix shifted right) to the value of the first.
573
574    The first value popped off of the stack must be an integer and non-negative.
575
576    This is a **non-portable extension**.
577
578**h**
579
580:   The top two values are popped off the stack, and the second is shifted right
581    (radix shifted left) to the value of the first.
582
583    The first value popped off of the stack must be an integer and non-negative.
584
585    This is a **non-portable extension**.
586{{ end }}
587
588**G**
589
590:   The top two values are popped off of the stack, they are compared, and a
591    **1** is pushed if they are equal, or **0** otherwise.
592
593    This is a **non-portable extension**.
594
595**N**
596
597:   The top value is popped off of the stack, and if it a **0**, a **1** is
598    pushed; otherwise, a **0** is pushed.
599
600    This is a **non-portable extension**.
601
602**(**
603
604:   The top two values are popped off of the stack, they are compared, and a
605    **1** is pushed if the first is less than the second, or **0** otherwise.
606
607    This is a **non-portable extension**.
608
609**{**
610
611:   The top two values are popped off of the stack, they are compared, and a
612    **1** is pushed if the first is less than or equal to the second, or **0**
613    otherwise.
614
615    This is a **non-portable extension**.
616
617**)**
618
619:   The top two values are popped off of the stack, they are compared, and a
620    **1** is pushed if the first is greater than the second, or **0** otherwise.
621
622    This is a **non-portable extension**.
623
624**}**
625
626:   The top two values are popped off of the stack, they are compared, and a
627    **1** is pushed if the first is greater than or equal to the second, or
628    **0** otherwise.
629
630    This is a **non-portable extension**.
631
632**M**
633
634:   The top two values are popped off of the stack. If they are both non-zero, a
635    **1** is pushed onto the stack. If either of them is zero, or both of them
636    are, then a **0** is pushed onto the stack.
637
638    This is like the **&&** operator in bc(1), and it is *not* a short-circuit
639    operator.
640
641    This is a **non-portable extension**.
642
643**m**
644
645:   The top two values are popped off of the stack. If at least one of them is
646    non-zero, a **1** is pushed onto the stack. If both of them are zero, then a
647    **0** is pushed onto the stack.
648
649    This is like the **||** operator in bc(1), and it is *not* a short-circuit
650    operator.
651
652    This is a **non-portable extension**.
653
654{{ A H N HN }}
655## Pseudo-Random Number Generator
656
657dc(1) has a built-in pseudo-random number generator. These commands query the
658pseudo-random number generator. (See Parameters for more information about the
659**seed** value that controls the pseudo-random number generator.)
660
661The pseudo-random number generator is guaranteed to **NOT** be
662cryptographically secure.
663
664**'**
665
666:   Generates an integer between 0 and **DC_RAND_MAX**, inclusive (see the
667    **LIMITS** section).
668
669    The generated integer is made as unbiased as possible, subject to the
670    limitations of the pseudo-random number generator.
671
672    This is a **non-portable extension**.
673
674**"**
675
676:   Pops a value off of the stack, which is used as an **exclusive** upper bound
677    on the integer that will be generated. If the bound is negative or is a
678    non-integer, an error is raised, and dc(1) resets (see the **RESET**
679    section) while **seed** remains unchanged. If the bound is larger than
680    **DC_RAND_MAX**, the higher bound is honored by generating several
681    pseudo-random integers, multiplying them by appropriate powers of
682    **DC_RAND_MAX+1**, and adding them together. Thus, the size of integer that
683    can be generated with this command is unbounded. Using this command will
684    change the value of **seed**, unless the operand is **0** or **1**. In that
685    case, **0** is pushed onto the stack, and **seed** is *not* changed.
686
687    The generated integer is made as unbiased as possible, subject to the
688    limitations of the pseudo-random number generator.
689
690    This is a **non-portable extension**.
691{{ end }}
692
693## Stack Control
694
695These commands control the stack.
696
697**c**
698
699:   Removes all items from ("clears") the stack.
700
701**d**
702
703:   Copies the item on top of the stack ("duplicates") and pushes the copy onto
704    the stack.
705
706**r**
707
708:   Swaps ("reverses") the two top items on the stack.
709
710**R**
711
712:   Pops ("removes") the top value from the stack.
713
714## Register Control
715
716These commands control registers (see the **REGISTERS** section).
717
718**s**_r_
719
720:   Pops the value off the top of the stack and stores it into register *r*.
721
722**l**_r_
723
724:   Copies the value in register *r* and pushes it onto the stack. This does not
725    alter the contents of *r*.
726
727**S**_r_
728
729:   Pops the value off the top of the (main) stack and pushes it onto the stack
730    of register *r*. The previous value of the register becomes inaccessible.
731
732**L**_r_
733
734:   Pops the value off the top of the stack for register *r* and push it onto
735    the main stack. The previous value in the stack for register *r*, if any, is
736    now accessible via the **l**_r_ command.
737
738## Parameters
739
740{{ A H N HN }}
741These commands control the values of **ibase**, **obase**, **scale**, and
742**seed**. Also see the **SYNTAX** section.
743{{ end }}
744{{ E EH EN EHN }}
745These commands control the values of **ibase**, **obase**, and **scale**. Also
746see the **SYNTAX** section.
747{{ end }}
748
749**i**
750
751:   Pops the value off of the top of the stack and uses it to set **ibase**,
752    which must be between **2** and **16**, inclusive.
753
754    If the value on top of the stack has any *scale*, the *scale* is ignored.
755
756**o**
757
758:   Pops the value off of the top of the stack and uses it to set **obase**,
759{{ A H N HN }}
760    which must be between **0** and **DC_BASE_MAX**, inclusive (see the
761    **LIMITS** section and the **NUMBERS** section).
762{{ end }}
763{{ E EH EN EHN }}
764    which must be between **2** and **DC_BASE_MAX**, inclusive (see the
765    **LIMITS** section).
766{{ end }}
767
768    If the value on top of the stack has any *scale*, the *scale* is ignored.
769
770**k**
771
772:   Pops the value off of the top of the stack and uses it to set **scale**,
773    which must be non-negative.
774
775    If the value on top of the stack has any *scale*, the *scale* is ignored.
776
777{{ A H N HN }}
778**j**
779
780:   Pops the value off of the top of the stack and uses it to set **seed**. The
781    meaning of **seed** is dependent on the current pseudo-random number
782    generator but is guaranteed to not change except for new major versions.
783
784    The *scale* and sign of the value may be significant.
785
786    If a previously used **seed** value is used again, the pseudo-random number
787    generator is guaranteed to produce the same sequence of pseudo-random
788    numbers as it did when the **seed** value was previously used.
789
790    The exact value assigned to **seed** is not guaranteed to be returned if the
791    **J** command is used. However, if **seed** *does* return a different value,
792    both values, when assigned to **seed**, are guaranteed to produce the same
793    sequence of pseudo-random numbers. This means that certain values assigned
794    to **seed** will not produce unique sequences of pseudo-random numbers.
795
796    There is no limit to the length (number of significant decimal digits) or
797    *scale* of the value that can be assigned to **seed**.
798
799    This is a **non-portable extension**.
800{{ end }}
801
802**I**
803
804:   Pushes the current value of **ibase** onto the main stack.
805
806**O**
807
808:   Pushes the current value of **obase** onto the main stack.
809
810**K**
811
812:   Pushes the current value of **scale** onto the main stack.
813
814{{ A H N HN }}
815**J**
816
817:   Pushes the current value of **seed** onto the main stack.
818
819    This is a **non-portable extension**.
820{{ end }}
821
822**T**
823
824:   Pushes the maximum allowable value of **ibase** onto the main stack.
825
826    This is a **non-portable extension**.
827
828**U**
829
830:   Pushes the maximum allowable value of **obase** onto the main stack.
831
832    This is a **non-portable extension**.
833
834**V**
835
836:   Pushes the maximum allowable value of **scale** onto the main stack.
837
838    This is a **non-portable extension**.
839
840{{ A H N HN }}
841**W**
842
843:   Pushes the maximum (inclusive) integer that can be generated with the **'**
844    pseudo-random number generator command.
845
846    This is a **non-portable extension**.
847{{ end }}
848
849## Strings
850
851The following commands control strings.
852
853dc(1) can work with both numbers and strings, and registers (see the
854**REGISTERS** section) can hold both strings and numbers. dc(1) always knows
855whether the contents of a register are a string or a number.
856
857While arithmetic operations have to have numbers, and will print an error if
858given a string, other commands accept strings.
859
860Strings can also be executed as macros. For example, if the string **[1pR]** is
861executed as a macro, then the code **1pR** is executed, meaning that the **1**
862will be printed with a newline after and then popped from the stack.
863
864**\[**_characters_**\]**
865
866:   Makes a string containing *characters* and pushes it onto the stack.
867
868    If there are brackets (**\[** and **\]**) in the string, then they must be
869    balanced. Unbalanced brackets can be escaped using a backslash (**\\**)
870    character.
871
872    If there is a backslash character in the string, the character after it
873    (even another backslash) is put into the string verbatim, but the (first)
874    backslash is not.
875
876**a**
877
878:   The value on top of the stack is popped.
879
880    If it is a number, it is truncated and its absolute value is taken. The
881    result mod **256** is calculated. If that result is **0**, push an empty
882    string; otherwise, push a one-character string where the character is the
883    result of the mod interpreted as an ASCII character.
884
885    If it is a string, then a new string is made. If the original string is
886    empty, the new string is empty. If it is not, then the first character of
887    the original string is used to create the new string as a one-character
888    string. The new string is then pushed onto the stack.
889
890    This is a **non-portable extension**.
891
892**x**
893
894:   Pops a value off of the top of the stack.
895
896    If it is a number, it is pushed back onto the stack.
897
898    If it is a string, it is executed as a macro.
899
900    This behavior is the norm whenever a macro is executed, whether by this
901    command or by the conditional execution commands below.
902
903**\>**_r_
904
905:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
906    the first value is greater than the second, then the contents of register
907    *r* are executed.
908
909    For example, **0 1>a** will execute the contents of register **a**, and
910    **1 0>a** will not.
911
912    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
913    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
914
915**>**_r_**e**_s_
916
917:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
918
919    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
920    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
921
922    This is a **non-portable extension**.
923
924**!\>**_r_
925
926:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
927    the first value is not greater than the second (less than or equal to), then
928    the contents of register *r* are executed.
929
930    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
931    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
932
933**!\>**_r_**e**_s_
934
935:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
936
937    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
938    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
939
940    This is a **non-portable extension**.
941
942**\<**_r_
943
944:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
945    the first value is less than the second, then the contents of register *r*
946    are executed.
947
948    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
949    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
950
951**\<**_r_**e**_s_
952
953:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
954
955    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
956    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
957
958    This is a **non-portable extension**.
959
960**!\<**_r_
961
962:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
963    the first value is not less than the second (greater than or equal to), then
964    the contents of register *r* are executed.
965
966    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
967    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
968
969**!\<**_r_**e**_s_
970
971:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
972
973    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
974    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
975
976    This is a **non-portable extension**.
977
978**=**_r_
979
980:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
981    the first value is equal to the second, then the contents of register *r*
982    are executed.
983
984    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
985    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
986
987**=**_r_**e**_s_
988
989:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
990
991    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
992    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
993
994    This is a **non-portable extension**.
995
996**!=**_r_
997
998:   Pops two values off of the stack that must be numbers and compares them. If
999    the first value is not equal to the second, then the contents of register
1000    *r* are executed.
1001
1002    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
1003    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
1004
1005**!=**_r_**e**_s_
1006
1007:   Like the above, but will execute register *s* if the comparison fails.
1008
1009    If either or both of the values are not numbers, dc(1) will raise an error
1010    and reset (see the **RESET** section).
1011
1012    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1013
1014**?**
1015
1016:   Reads a line from the **stdin** and executes it. This is to allow macros to
1017    request input from users.
1018
1019**q**
1020
1021:   During execution of a macro, this exits the execution of that macro and the
1022    execution of the macro that executed it. If there are no macros, or only one
1023    macro executing, dc(1) exits.
1024
1025**Q**
1026
1027:   Pops a value from the stack which must be non-negative and is used the
1028    number of macro executions to pop off of the execution stack. If the number
1029    of levels to pop is greater than the number of executing macros, dc(1)
1030    exits.
1031
1032**,**
1033
1034:   Pushes the depth of the execution stack onto the stack. The execution stack
1035    is the stack of string executions. The number that is pushed onto the stack
1036    is exactly as many as is needed to make dc(1) exit with the **Q** command,
1037    so the sequence **,Q** will make dc(1) exit.
1038
1039    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1040
1041## Status
1042
1043These commands query status of the stack or its top value.
1044
1045**Z**
1046
1047:   Pops a value off of the stack.
1048
1049    If it is a number, calculates the number of significant decimal digits it
1050    has and pushes the result. It will push **1** if the argument is **0** with
1051    no decimal places.
1052
1053    If it is a string, pushes the number of characters the string has.
1054
1055**X**
1056
1057:   Pops a value off of the stack.
1058
1059    If it is a number, pushes the *scale* of the value onto the stack.
1060
1061    If it is a string, pushes **0**.
1062
1063**u**
1064
1065:   Pops one value off of the stack. If the value is a number, this pushes **1**
1066    onto the stack. Otherwise (if it is a string), it pushes **0**.
1067
1068    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1069
1070**t**
1071
1072:   Pops one value off of the stack. If the value is a string, this pushes **1**
1073    onto the stack. Otherwise (if it is a number), it pushes **0**.
1074
1075    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1076
1077**z**
1078
1079:   Pushes the current depth of the stack (before execution of this command)
1080    onto the stack.
1081
1082**y**_r_
1083
1084:   Pushes the current stack depth of the register *r* onto the main stack.
1085
1086    Because each register has a depth of **1** (with the value **0** in the top
1087    item) when dc(1) starts, dc(1) requires that each register's stack must
1088    always have at least one item; dc(1) will give an error and reset otherwise
1089    (see the **RESET** section). This means that this command will never push
1090    **0**.
1091
1092    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1093
1094## Arrays
1095
1096These commands manipulate arrays.
1097
1098**:**_r_
1099
1100:   Pops the top two values off of the stack. The second value will be stored in
1101    the array *r* (see the **REGISTERS** section), indexed by the first value.
1102
1103**;**_r_
1104
1105:   Pops the value on top of the stack and uses it as an index into the array
1106    *r*. The selected value is then pushed onto the stack.
1107
1108**Y**_r_
1109
1110:   Pushes the length of the array *r* onto the stack.
1111
1112    This is a **non-portable extension**.
1113
1114## Global Settings
1115
1116These commands retrieve global settings. These are the only commands that
1117require multiple specific characters, and all of them begin with the letter
1118**g**. Only the characters below are allowed after the character **g**; any
1119other character produces a parse error (see the **ERRORS** section).
1120
1121**gl**
1122
1123:   Pushes the line length set by **DC_LINE_LENGTH** (see the **ENVIRONMENT
1124    VARIABLES** section) onto the stack.
1125
1126**gx**
1127
1128:   Pushes **1** onto the stack if extended register mode is on, **0**
1129    otherwise. See the *Extended Register Mode* subsection of the **REGISTERS**
1130    section for more information.
1131
1132**gz**
1133
1134:   Pushes **0** onto the stack if the leading zero setting has not been enabled
1135    with the **-z** or **-\-leading-zeroes** options (see the **OPTIONS**
1136    section), non-zero otherwise.
1137
1138# REGISTERS
1139
1140Registers are names that can store strings, numbers, and arrays. (Number/string
1141registers do not interfere with array registers.)
1142
1143Each register is also its own stack, so the current register value is the top of
1144the stack for the register. All registers, when first referenced, have one value
1145(**0**) in their stack, and it is a runtime error to attempt to pop that item
1146off of the register stack.
1147
1148In non-extended register mode, a register name is just the single character that
1149follows any command that needs a register name. The only exceptions are: a
1150newline (**'\\n'**) and a left bracket (**'['**); it is a parse error for a
1151newline or a left bracket to be used as a register name.
1152
1153## Extended Register Mode
1154
1155Unlike most other dc(1) implentations, this dc(1) provides nearly unlimited
1156amounts of registers, if extended register mode is enabled.
1157
1158If extended register mode is enabled (**-x** or **-\-extended-register**
1159command-line arguments are given), then normal single character registers are
1160used *unless* the character immediately following a command that needs a
1161register name is a space (according to **isspace()**) and not a newline
1162(**'\\n'**).
1163
1164In that case, the register name is found according to the regex
1165**\[a-z\]\[a-z0-9\_\]\*** (like bc(1) identifiers), and it is a parse error if
1166the next non-space characters do not match that regex.
1167
1168# RESET
1169
1170When dc(1) encounters an error or a signal that it has a non-default handler
1171for, it resets. This means that several things happen.
1172
1173First, any macros that are executing are stopped and popped off the stack.
1174The behavior is not unlike that of exceptions in programming languages. Then
1175the execution point is set so that any code waiting to execute (after all
1176macros returned) is skipped.
1177
1178Thus, when dc(1) resets, it skips any remaining code waiting to be executed.
1179Then, if it is interactive mode, and the error was not a fatal error (see the
1180**EXIT STATUS** section), it asks for more input; otherwise, it exits with the
1181appropriate return code.
1182
1183# PERFORMANCE
1184
1185Most dc(1) implementations use **char** types to calculate the value of **1**
1186decimal digit at a time, but that can be slow. This dc(1) does something
1187different.
1188
1189It uses large integers to calculate more than **1** decimal digit at a time. If
1190built in a environment where **DC_LONG_BIT** (see the **LIMITS** section) is
1191**64**, then each integer has **9** decimal digits. If built in an environment
1192where **DC_LONG_BIT** is **32** then each integer has **4** decimal digits. This
1193value (the number of decimal digits per large integer) is called
1194**DC_BASE_DIGS**.
1195
1196In addition, this dc(1) uses an even larger integer for overflow checking. This
1197integer type depends on the value of **DC_LONG_BIT**, but is always at least
1198twice as large as the integer type used to store digits.
1199
1200# LIMITS
1201
1202The following are the limits on dc(1):
1203
1204**DC_LONG_BIT**
1205
1206:   The number of bits in the **long** type in the environment where dc(1) was
1207    built. This determines how many decimal digits can be stored in a single
1208    large integer (see the **PERFORMANCE** section).
1209
1210**DC_BASE_DIGS**
1211
1212:   The number of decimal digits per large integer (see the **PERFORMANCE**
1213    section). Depends on **DC_LONG_BIT**.
1214
1215**DC_BASE_POW**
1216
1217:   The max decimal number that each large integer can store (see
1218    **DC_BASE_DIGS**) plus **1**. Depends on **DC_BASE_DIGS**.
1219
1220**DC_OVERFLOW_MAX**
1221
1222:   The max number that the overflow type (see the **PERFORMANCE** section) can
1223    hold. Depends on **DC_LONG_BIT**.
1224
1225**DC_BASE_MAX**
1226
1227:   The maximum output base. Set at **DC_BASE_POW**.
1228
1229**DC_DIM_MAX**
1230
1231:   The maximum size of arrays. Set at **SIZE_MAX-1**.
1232
1233**DC_SCALE_MAX**
1234
1235:   The maximum **scale**. Set at **DC_OVERFLOW_MAX-1**.
1236
1237**DC_STRING_MAX**
1238
1239:   The maximum length of strings. Set at **DC_OVERFLOW_MAX-1**.
1240
1241**DC_NAME_MAX**
1242
1243:   The maximum length of identifiers. Set at **DC_OVERFLOW_MAX-1**.
1244
1245**DC_NUM_MAX**
1246
1247:   The maximum length of a number (in decimal digits), which includes digits
1248    after the decimal point. Set at **DC_OVERFLOW_MAX-1**.
1249
1250{{ A H N HN }}
1251**DC_RAND_MAX**
1252
1253:   The maximum integer (inclusive) returned by the **'** command, if dc(1). Set
1254    at **2\^DC_LONG_BIT-1**.
1255{{ end }}
1256
1257Exponent
1258
1259:   The maximum allowable exponent (positive or negative). Set at
1260    **DC_OVERFLOW_MAX**.
1261
1262Number of vars
1263
1264:   The maximum number of vars/arrays. Set at **SIZE_MAX-1**.
1265
1266These limits are meant to be effectively non-existent; the limits are so large
1267(at least on 64-bit machines) that there should not be any point at which they
1268become a problem. In fact, memory should be exhausted before these limits should
1269be hit.
1270
1271# ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1272
1273As **non-portable extensions**, dc(1) recognizes the following environment
1274variables:
1275
1276**DC_ENV_ARGS**
1277
1278:   This is another way to give command-line arguments to dc(1). They should be
1279    in the same format as all other command-line arguments. These are always
1280    processed first, so any files given in **DC_ENV_ARGS** will be processed
1281    before arguments and files given on the command-line. This gives the user
1282    the ability to set up "standard" options and files to be used at every
1283    invocation. The most useful thing for such files to contain would be useful
1284    functions that the user might want every time dc(1) runs. Another use would
1285    be to use the **-e** option to set **scale** to a value other than **0**.
1286
1287    The code that parses **DC_ENV_ARGS** will correctly handle quoted arguments,
1288    but it does not understand escape sequences. For example, the string
1289    **"/home/gavin/some dc file.dc"** will be correctly parsed, but the string
1290    **"/home/gavin/some \"dc\" file.dc"** will include the backslashes.
1291
1292    The quote parsing will handle either kind of quotes, **'** or **"**. Thus,
1293    if you have a file with any number of single quotes in the name, you can use
1294    double quotes as the outside quotes, as in **"some 'dc' file.dc"**, and vice
1295    versa if you have a file with double quotes. However, handling a file with
1296    both kinds of quotes in **DC_ENV_ARGS** is not supported due to the
1297    complexity of the parsing, though such files are still supported on the
1298    command-line where the parsing is done by the shell.
1299
1300**DC_LINE_LENGTH**
1301
1302:   If this environment variable exists and contains an integer that is greater
1303    than **1** and is less than **UINT16_MAX** (**2\^16-1**), dc(1) will output
1304    lines to that length, including the backslash newline combo. The default
1305    line length is **70**.
1306
1307    The special value of **0** will disable line length checking and print
1308    numbers without regard to line length and without backslashes and newlines.
1309
1310**DC_SIGINT_RESET**
1311
1312:   If dc(1) is not in interactive mode (see the **INTERACTIVE MODE** section),
1313    then this environment variable has no effect because dc(1) exits on
1314    **SIGINT** when not in interactive mode.
1315
1316    However, when dc(1) is in interactive mode, then if this environment
1317    variable exists and contains an integer, a non-zero value makes dc(1) reset
1318    on **SIGINT**, rather than exit, and zero makes dc(1) exit. If this
1319    environment variable exists and is *not* an integer, then dc(1) will exit on
1320    **SIGINT**.
1321
1322    This environment variable overrides the default, which can be queried with
1323    the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
1324
1325**DC_TTY_MODE**
1326
1327:   If TTY mode is *not* available (see the **TTY MODE** section), then this
1328    environment variable has no effect.
1329
1330    However, when TTY mode is available, then if this environment variable
1331    exists and contains an integer, then a non-zero value makes dc(1) use TTY
1332    mode, and zero makes dc(1) not use TTY mode.
1333
1334    This environment variable overrides the default, which can be queried with
1335    the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
1336
1337**DC_PROMPT**
1338
1339:   If TTY mode is *not* available (see the **TTY MODE** section), then this
1340    environment variable has no effect.
1341
1342    However, when TTY mode is available, then if this environment variable
1343    exists and contains an integer, a non-zero value makes dc(1) use a prompt,
1344    and zero or a non-integer makes dc(1) not use a prompt. If this environment
1345    variable does not exist and **DC_TTY_MODE** does, then the value of the
1346    **DC_TTY_MODE** environment variable is used.
1347
1348    This environment variable and the **DC_TTY_MODE** environment variable
1349    override the default, which can be queried with the **-h** or **-\-help**
1350    options.
1351
1352**DC_EXPR_EXIT**
1353
1354:   If any expressions or expression files are given on the command-line with
1355    **-e**, **-\-expression**, **-f**, or **-\-file**, then if this environment
1356    variable exists and contains an integer, a non-zero value makes dc(1) exit
1357    after executing the expressions and expression files, and a zero value makes
1358    dc(1) not exit.
1359
1360    This environment variable overrides the default, which can be queried with
1361    the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
1362
1363**DC_DIGIT_CLAMP**
1364
1365:   When parsing numbers and if this environment variable exists and contains an
1366    integer, a non-zero value makes dc(1) clamp digits that are greater than or
1367    equal to the current **ibase** so that all such digits are considered equal
1368    to the **ibase** minus 1, and a zero value disables such clamping so that
1369    those digits are always equal to their value, which is multiplied by the
1370    power of the **ibase**.
1371
1372    This never applies to single-digit numbers, as per the bc(1) standard (see
1373    the **STANDARDS** section).
1374
1375    This environment variable overrides the default, which can be queried with
1376    the **-h** or **-\-help** options.
1377
1378# EXIT STATUS
1379
1380dc(1) returns the following exit statuses:
1381
1382**0**
1383
1384:   No error.
1385
1386**1**
1387
1388:   A math error occurred. This follows standard practice of using **1** for
1389    expected errors, since math errors will happen in the process of normal
1390    execution.
1391
1392    Math errors include divide by **0**, taking the square root of a negative
1393{{ A H N HN }}
1394    number, using a negative number as a bound for the pseudo-random number
1395    generator, attempting to convert a negative number to a hardware integer,
1396    overflow when converting a number to a hardware integer, overflow when
1397    calculating the size of a number, and attempting to use a non-integer where
1398    an integer is required.
1399
1400    Converting to a hardware integer happens for the second operand of the power
1401    (**\^**), places (**\@**), left shift (**H**), and right shift (**h**)
1402    operators.
1403{{ end }}
1404{{ E EH EN EHN }}
1405    number, attempting to convert a negative number to a hardware integer,
1406    overflow when converting a number to a hardware integer, overflow when
1407    calculating the size of a number, and attempting to use a non-integer where
1408    an integer is required.
1409
1410    Converting to a hardware integer happens for the second operand of the power
1411    (**\^**) operator.
1412{{ end }}
1413
1414**2**
1415
1416:   A parse error occurred.
1417
1418    Parse errors include unexpected **EOF**, using an invalid character, failing
1419    to find the end of a string or comment, and using a token where it is
1420    invalid.
1421
1422**3**
1423
1424:   A runtime error occurred.
1425
1426    Runtime errors include assigning an invalid number to any global (**ibase**,
1427    **obase**, or **scale**), giving a bad expression to a **read()** call,
1428    calling **read()** inside of a **read()** call, type errors (including
1429    attempting to execute a number), and attempting an operation when the stack
1430    has too few elements.
1431
1432**4**
1433
1434:   A fatal error occurred.
1435
1436    Fatal errors include memory allocation errors, I/O errors, failing to open
1437    files, attempting to use files that do not have only ASCII characters (dc(1)
1438    only accepts ASCII characters), attempting to open a directory as a file,
1439    and giving invalid command-line options.
1440
1441The exit status **4** is special; when a fatal error occurs, dc(1) always exits
1442and returns **4**, no matter what mode dc(1) is in.
1443
1444The other statuses will only be returned when dc(1) is not in interactive mode
1445(see the **INTERACTIVE MODE** section), since dc(1) resets its state (see the
1446**RESET** section) and accepts more input when one of those errors occurs in
1447interactive mode. This is also the case when interactive mode is forced by the
1448**-i** flag or **-\-interactive** option.
1449
1450These exit statuses allow dc(1) to be used in shell scripting with error
1451checking, and its normal behavior can be forced by using the **-i** flag or
1452**-\-interactive** option.
1453
1454# INTERACTIVE MODE
1455
1456Like bc(1), dc(1) has an interactive mode and a non-interactive mode.
1457Interactive mode is turned on automatically when both **stdin** and **stdout**
1458are hooked to a terminal, but the **-i** flag and **-\-interactive** option can
1459turn it on in other situations.
1460
1461In interactive mode, dc(1) attempts to recover from errors (see the **RESET**
1462section), and in normal execution, flushes **stdout** as soon as execution is
1463done for the current input. dc(1) may also reset on **SIGINT** instead of exit,
1464depending on the contents of, or default for, the **DC_SIGINT_RESET**
1465environment variable (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section).
1466
1467# TTY MODE
1468
1469If **stdin**, **stdout**, and **stderr** are all connected to a TTY, then "TTY
1470mode" is considered to be available, and thus, dc(1) can turn on TTY mode,
1471subject to some settings.
1472
1473If there is the environment variable **DC_TTY_MODE** in the environment (see the
1474**ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section), then if that environment variable contains a
1475non-zero integer, dc(1) will turn on TTY mode when **stdin**, **stdout**, and
1476**stderr** are all connected to a TTY. If the **DC_TTY_MODE** environment
1477variable exists but is *not* a non-zero integer, then dc(1) will not turn TTY
1478mode on.
1479
1480If the environment variable **DC_TTY_MODE** does *not* exist, the default
1481setting is used. The default setting can be queried with the **-h** or
1482**-\-help** options.
1483
1484TTY mode is different from interactive mode because interactive mode is required
1485in the bc(1) specification (see the **STANDARDS** section), and interactive mode
1486requires only **stdin** and **stdout** to be connected to a terminal.
1487
1488{{ A E N EN }}
1489## Command-Line History
1490
1491Command-line history is only enabled if TTY mode is, i.e., that **stdin**,
1492**stdout**, and **stderr** are connected to a TTY and the **DC_TTY_MODE**
1493environment variable (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section) and its default
1494do not disable TTY mode. See the **COMMAND LINE HISTORY** section for more
1495information.
1496{{ end }}
1497
1498## Prompt
1499
1500If TTY mode is available, then a prompt can be enabled. Like TTY mode itself, it
1501can be turned on or off with an environment variable: **DC_PROMPT** (see the
1502**ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section).
1503
1504If the environment variable **DC_PROMPT** exists and is a non-zero integer, then
1505the prompt is turned on when **stdin**, **stdout**, and **stderr** are connected
1506to a TTY and the **-P** and **-\-no-prompt** options were not used. The read
1507prompt will be turned on under the same conditions, except that the **-R** and
1508**-\-no-read-prompt** options must also not be used.
1509
1510However, if **DC_PROMPT** does not exist, the prompt can be enabled or disabled
1511with the **DC_TTY_MODE** environment variable, the **-P** and **-\-no-prompt**
1512options, and the **-R** and **-\-no-read-prompt** options. See the **ENVIRONMENT
1513VARIABLES** and **OPTIONS** sections for more details.
1514
1515# SIGNAL HANDLING
1516
1517Sending a **SIGINT** will cause dc(1) to do one of two things.
1518
1519If dc(1) is not in interactive mode (see the **INTERACTIVE MODE** section), or
1520the **DC_SIGINT_RESET** environment variable (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES**
1521section), or its default, is either not an integer or it is zero, dc(1) will
1522exit.
1523
1524However, if dc(1) is in interactive mode, and the **DC_SIGINT_RESET** or its
1525default is an integer and non-zero, then dc(1) will stop executing the current
1526input and reset (see the **RESET** section) upon receiving a **SIGINT**.
1527
1528Note that "current input" can mean one of two things. If dc(1) is processing
1529input from **stdin** in interactive mode, it will ask for more input. If dc(1)
1530is processing input from a file in interactive mode, it will stop processing the
1531file and start processing the next file, if one exists, or ask for input from
1532**stdin** if no other file exists.
1533
1534This means that if a **SIGINT** is sent to dc(1) as it is executing a file, it
1535can seem as though dc(1) did not respond to the signal since it will immediately
1536start executing the next file. This is by design; most files that users execute
1537when interacting with dc(1) have function definitions, which are quick to parse.
1538If a file takes a long time to execute, there may be a bug in that file. The
1539rest of the files could still be executed without problem, allowing the user to
1540continue.
1541
1542**SIGTERM** and **SIGQUIT** cause dc(1) to clean up and exit, and it uses the
1543{{ A E N EN }}
1544default handler for all other signals. The one exception is **SIGHUP**; in that
1545case, and only when dc(1) is in TTY mode (see the **TTY MODE** section), a
1546**SIGHUP** will cause dc(1) to clean up and exit.
1547{{ end }}
1548{{ H EH HN EHN }}
1549default handler for all other signals.
1550{{ end }}
1551
1552{{ A E N EN }}
1553# COMMAND LINE HISTORY
1554
1555dc(1) supports interactive command-line editing.
1556
1557If dc(1) can be in TTY mode (see the **TTY MODE** section), history can be
1558enabled. This means that command-line history can only be enabled when
1559**stdin**, **stdout**, and **stderr** are all connected to a TTY.
1560
1561Like TTY mode itself, it can be turned on or off with the environment variable
1562**DC_TTY_MODE** (see the **ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES** section).
1563
1564**Note**: tabs are converted to 8 spaces.
1565{{ end }}
1566
1567{{ A E H EH }}
1568# LOCALES
1569
1570This dc(1) ships with support for adding error messages for different locales
1571and thus, supports **LC_MESSAGES**.
1572{{ end }}
1573
1574# SEE ALSO
1575
1576bc(1)
1577
1578# STANDARDS
1579
1580The dc(1) utility operators and some behavior are compliant with the operators
1581in the IEEE Std 1003.1-2017 (“POSIX.1-2017”) bc(1) specification at
1582https://pubs.opengroup.org/onlinepubs/9699919799/utilities/bc.html .
1583
1584# BUGS
1585
1586None are known. Report bugs at https://git.gavinhoward.com/gavin/bc .
1587
1588# AUTHOR
1589
1590Gavin D. Howard <gavin@gavinhoward.com> and contributors.
1591