How Can C Programmers Use Decimal Data Types?

Decimal Data Types in C

The C programming language supports various data types for storing numerical values. However, there is no built-in support for decimal data types (e.g., decimal32, decimal64, decimal128) as defined in the C Decimal Technical Report (TR).

Using Decimal Data Types in C

Despite the lack of native support, there are two primary options for using decimal data types in C programs:

1. Compilers with C Decimal TR Implementation: Certain compilers, such as gcc, have implemented the C Decimal TR, extending C to include the decimal data types.
2. Wrapper for External Library: If your compiler does not support the decimal types, you can use a wrapper for IBM's decNumber library, which provides a comprehensive API for working with decimal numbers.

Future of Decimal Data Types in C

Efforts are underway to improve the situation regarding decimal data types in C . A plan to update and submit the C Decimal TR as a formal proposal to the C committee has been created. If successful, decimal data types could potentially be included in the C standard, possibly in the 2014 revision.

Current Implementation and Availability

An implementation of the C Decimal TR is available, but its availability for public use is still uncertain. However, there is optimism that it may eventually be open-sourced.

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