GNU Info

(dc.info)Introduction

---

Next: Invocation Prev: Top Up: Top

---

Enter node , (file) or (file)node

Introduction
************

   DC is a reverse-polish desk calculator which supports unlimited
precision arithmetic.  It also allows you to define and call macros.
Normally DC reads from the standard input; if any command arguments are
given to it, they are filenames, and DC reads and executes the contents
of the files instead of reading from standard input.  All normal output
is to standard output; all error messages are written to standard error.

   To exit, use `q'.  `C-c' does not exit; it is used to abort macros
that are looping, etc.  (Currently this is not true; `C-c' does exit.)

   A reverse-polish calculator stores numbers on a stack.  Entering a
number pushes it on the stack.  Arithmetic operations pop arguments off
the stack and push the results.

   To enter a number in DC, type the digits, with an optional decimal
point.  Exponential notation is not supported.  To enter a negative
number, begin the number with `_'.  `-' cannot be used for this, as it
is a binary operator for subtraction instead.  To enter two numbers in
succession, separate them with spaces or newlines.  These have no
meaning as commands.