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> I'm glad most serious desktop calculator apps, like the OS X one, have a RPN mode I've loved RPN since around 1973 when I paid $395 (plus 7% tax) for an HP-4
by PhantomGremlin 12y ago
> I'm glad most serious desktop calculator apps, like the OS X one, have a RPN mode
I've loved RPN since around 1973 when I paid $395 (plus 7% tax) for an HP-45. I still have an HP-42S that I use.
However, I often find it easier in OS X to just type "python" and go from there. I love Python as an interactive interpreter. It's easy to give good names to intermediate variables. Functions are easily created, starting with "def ...". Etc.
But this works for me because I rarely need sin(), cos(), or stuff like that. It would get tedious to load the Python math functions, to remember the exact spelling of a function. A calculator is good for that, because the keys are right in front of your face. Can't miss 'em.
- glogla 12y agoExactly. I long time used bc or bc -l but python is more flexible, and with readline, much more practical than button based calculator.
- kelnos 12y agoBut this works for me because I rarely need sin(), cos(), or stuff like that. It would get tedious to load the Python math functions, to remember the exact spelling of a function. Most of these are pretty easy -- just do "from math import *" and then you have sin(), cos(), etc. imported into the root namespace. If you want to explore, you can use something like bpython, do "import math", and just type "math." and it'll pop up a little window showing you the possibilities.