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dc command in Linux with examples

Last Updated : 22 Oct, 2024
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The dc command is a versatile calculator found in Linux systems, operating using reverse Polish notation (RPN). This command allows users to perform arithmetic calculations and manipulate a stack, making it ideal for complex mathematical tasks directly from the command line.

Syntax

The basic syntax for using the dc command is as follows:

dc [OPTION] [file ...]

Examples of dc Command

Example 1: Basic Addition

To illustrate how dc works, consider this simple example:

echo "5 3 + p" | dc

Output: 8

In this case, the command adds 5 and 3, then prints the result.

Example 2: Basic Arithmetic Operations

Basic Arithmetic Operations

Example 3: Changing Output Radix

Changing Output Radix

Note: In second example, the output changes because we changed the output-radix. 

Key Options Commonly Used with the Command

The dc command includes several options and operations for stack manipulation. Below is an overview of some essential commands:

CommandOperation
pPrints the value on the top of the stack and ends the statement with a newline.
nPrints the value on the top of the stack and ends the line with a null statement.
fPrints the entire stack, without any alteration.
PPops the value from the top of the stack.
cClear the stack.
dDuplicates the top value and push it into the main stack.
rReverses the order of top two elements in the stack.
ZPops the value from the stack, calculate the number of digits in it and pushes that number.
XPops the value from the stack, calculate the number of fraction digits in it and pushes that number.
zPushes the stack length into the stack.
iPops the value from the stack and uses it as input radix.
oPops the value from the stack and uses it as output radix.
kPops the values from the stack and uses it to set precision.
IPushes the value of input radix into the stack.
OPushes the value of output radix into the stack
KPushes the precision value into the stack.
  • expression: This command is used to evaluate a particular expression.
expression
  • file: This command is used to evaluate the contents of the file.
file
  • help: This command displays help information.
help
  • version: This command is used to display version information.
version

Conclusion

The dc command provides a powerful means to perform arithmetic operations directly from the terminal. Its use of reverse Polish notation may take some getting used to, but its ability to handle arbitrary precision makes it a valuable tool for both simple calculations and more complex mathematical tasks.


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