DEC (decimal)
| Keyword | Token | Version | Category(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEC | $D1* | 3.5, 7.0+ | Function |
*Token $D1 is used for COLLECT in version 4.0!
Syntax
DEC(string)
Where string is a character string literal, variable or expression.
Purpose
Convert a character string to numeric value.
Return Value
An integer from 0 to 65535.
Notes
string may contain only spaces and at most 4 hexadecimal characters (the numerals 0 to 9 and letters A to F).
Compared to VAL(), which converts decimal-based text into a numeric value, this function converts hexadecimal-based text. Unfortunately, that is where the similarity ends. While VAL() is very flexible, DEC() is very anal.
Similarities:
- text to numeric
- ignores all spaces
- empty string = zero
| Difference | VAL() | DEC () |
|---|---|---|
| invalid character | return valid characters | halt with error |
| negative numbers | ok | halt with error |
| fractional values | ok | halt with error |
| scientific notion | ok | halt with error |
| minimum (absolute, approx.) | 1e-38 | 0 |
| maximum (absolute, approx.) | 1e+38 | 6e+4 |
Although useful for BASIC users with no concept of assembly language, or the beginning assembly language programmer, it is complete crap otherwise. Obviously a ten minute hack by the designers.
Examples
PRINT DEC(" 12 3")
291
PRINT DEC(" 12,3")
?ILLEGAL QUANTITY ERROR
PRINT DEC(" 12.3")
?ILLEGAL QUANTITY ERROR
PRINT DEC(" -12.3")
?ILLEGAL QUANTITY ERROR
PRINT DEC("1BED")
7149
PRINT DEC("BED")
3053
PRINT DEC("")
0
Compare with VAL()
Contrast with STR$(), HEX$()
This page is a member of Commodore BASIC
