automatic string formatting algorithm

[bmihura]

What is LabVIEW’s algorithm for automatically formatting numbers?

I’m porting some LabVIEW code to C#, and I want to exactly duplicate the functionality of LabVIEW’s “Format Into String” function with “%#_6g” for its “format string” input.

[smercurio_fc]

I don't understand your question. What do you mean by the algorithm for automatically formatting numbers? The Format Into String function outputs a string based on the format that you specify, so there's nothing "automatic" about it. It's no different than String.Format().

[bmihura]

That letter "g" in the string "%#_6g" means LabVIEW is automatically formatting the number between floating point and scientific notation.

To see this, drop a numeric control on the front panel, pop up on it to select its "Format & Precision..." menu item, then switch between "Automatic formatting" and any other format in that list, like "Scientific". When you switch to a new item in that list, switch to "Advanced Editing Mode" to see that the Format string has a "g" in it when it's on "Automatic formatting". 

[Karissa]

The %g format system works like this:

If the exponent of the number is between E+5 and E-4 (inclusive), it will format it as a normal floating point (%f) but if the number is outside this range it will have scientific notation format (%e).

Message Edited by Karissa on 08-14-2008 10:29 PM

[bmihura]

That seems simple, thanks.