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bc

bc is an arbitrary precision numeric processing language. Syntax is similar to C, but differs in many substantial areas. It supports interactive execution of statements. bc is a utility included in the POSIX P1003.2/D11 draft standard.

Since the POSIX document does not specify how bc must be implemented, this version does not use the historical method of having bc be a compiler for the dc calculator. This version has a single executable that both compiles the language and runs the resulting `byte code'. The byte code is not the dc language.

Downloading bc

bc can be found on the main GNU ftp server: http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/bc/ (via HTTP) and ftp://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/bc/ (via FTP). It can also be found on the GNU mirrors; please use a mirror if possible.

Documentation

Online Manual is available at www.gnu.org/software/bc/manual/, as well as one for dc. info bc or man bc, or by looking at /usr/doc/bc/, /usr/local/doc/bc/, or similar directories on your system. A brief summary is available by running bc --help.

Mailing lists

Announcements about bc and most other GNU software are made on <info-gnu@gnu.org>.

To subscribe to these or any GNU mailing lists, please send an empty mail with a Subject: header of just subscribe to the relevant -request list. For example, to subscribe yourself to the GNU announcement list, you would send mail to <info-gnu-request@gnu.org>. Or you can use the mailing list web interface.

Test releases
Trying the latest test release (when available) is always appreciated. Test releases of bc can be found at http://alpha.gnu.org/gnu/bc/ (via HTTP) and ftp://alpha.gnu.org/gnu/bc/ (via FTP).
Maintainer
bc is currently being maintained by Phil Nelson.

Licensing

bc is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

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The Free Software Foundation is the principal organizational sponsor of the GNU Operating System. Support GNU and the FSF by buying manuals and gear, joining the FSF as an associate member, or making a donation, either directly to the FSF or via Flattr.

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