Conversion Functions

Conversion functions take arguments of one type and return arguments of a different type. String conversion functions are listed in the section following this one.

The $FATOF Function

Convert string argument to number Returns: Numeric

The $FATOF function converts a string to a real number. This can be useful when you wish to convert text in a PARTNO or PPRINT statement to a number that can be used in subsequent calculations.

The $FCVINT Function

Convert argument to whole number Returns: Numeric

The $FCVINT function converts an argument a of various types to a whole number.

Type:

Return value

REAL:

the equivalent of $FINT(a)

LOGICAL:

a value of zero if $FALSE and a value of one if $TRUE

KEYWORD:

the Minor word integer code

RECORD:

the Major word subclass code

STRING:

the equivalent of $FINT($FATOF(a))

CODE:

the Control Emulator internal numeric representation of the code type

REG:

the Control Emulator internal numeric representation of the register type

SEQUENCE:

zero if empty, otherwise the value of $FCVINT(a(1))

The $FCVREAL Function

Convert argument to number Returns: Numeric

The $FCVREAL function converts an argument a of various types to a number.

Type:

Return value

REAL:

is returned as-is

LOGICAL:

a value of zero if $FALSE and a value of one if $TRUE

KEYWORD:

the Minor word integer code

RECORD:

the Major word subclass code

STRING:

the equivalent of $FATOF(a)

CODE:

the Control Emulator internal numeric representation of the code type

REG:

the Control Emulator internal numeric representation of the register type

SEQUENCE:

zero if empty, otherwise the value of $FCVINT(a(1))

For example $FCVREAL(ON) returns 71.

The $FMAJOR Function

	Convert numeric arguments to major word Returns: Major Word
	Convert string argument to major word Returns: Major Word or $NULL

The first form of the $FMAJOR function rounds the class and subclass numeric arguments to the nearest whole number and returns an argument of type RECORD. The “class subclass” combination need not exist as a known major word or record type. Class 2000 is assumed (i.e., post-processor command) if omitted.

The second form of the $FMAJOR function performs a case insensitive search for the named major word and returns an argument of type RECORD if found. A value of $NULL is returned if the string does not define a known major word or record type.

The $FMINOR Function

	Convert numeric argument to minor word Returns: Minor Word
	Convert string argument to minor word Returns: Minor Word or $NULL

The first form of the $FMINOR function rounds the numeric argument n to the nearest whole number and returns an argument of type KEYWORD. The minor word need not exist as a known keyword.

The second form of the $FMINOR function performs a case insensitive search for the named minor word and returns an argument of type KEYWORD if found. A value of $NULL is returned if the string does not define a known keyword.