5 ms·
I think the issue is more that calculator apps are one of the last strongholds of skeuomorphism. Why does almost every calculator app have a keypad, even those
by kumarsw 6y ago
I think the issue is more that calculator apps are one of the last strongholds of skeuomorphism. Why does almost every calculator app have a keypad, even those for non-touch OSes?
For a refreshingly modern take on calculator apps, take a look at something like Soulver/Numi/Calca which use a notebook-style interface, or SpeedCrunch which uses a REPL-style interface (and which does have a keypad, but you can turn it off).
If the idea of a calculator app just seems ugly to your brain, PowerShell does floating-point math and is scriptable to boot. I've used it as a calculator in the past, though it means having to put up with some wonky syntax.
- qsort 6y agoThe thing that makes me giggle is how it also happens to be the most primal function of a computer. I'm sure all tools you suggest are great, but as someone who can program, I can just use the REPL of whatever programming language I'm using at the moment. I have no need for a dedicated tool in the first place.
- jimmaswell 6y ago> Why does almost every calculator app have a keypad, even those for non-touch OSes? How would a non technical person do a square root or exponent? It's not obvious to type sqrt(2) or 3^4 into a text field, and people shouldn't have to read a manual to use a calculator. The default calculator is meant for the average person, and advanced tools are available for the rest.
- kumarsw 6y agoIt's been done with Mathematica, which includes a "basic" toolbar with square roots, integrals and the like. There's plenty of room for middle ground between a REPL and emulating a physical calculator.