Q37794: PRB: gcvt() Generates Exponential Notation for 0.0x

Article: Q37794
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 5.1 6.0 6.0a 6.0ax 7.0 1.0 1.5 2
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbCRT kbVC100 kbVC150 kbVC200 kbVC400 kbVC500 kbVC600
Last Modified: 25-JUL-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- The C Run-Time (CRT), included with:
   - Microsoft C for MS-DOS, versions 5.1, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0ax 
   - Microsoft C for OS/2, versions 5.1, 6.0, 6.0a 
   - Microsoft C/C++ for MS-DOS, version 7.0 
   - Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, 16-bit edition, versions 1.0, 1.5 
   - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The gcvt() function returns a value in scientific notation, without regard to
the specified precision, when the floating-point value has the form
"0.0<x>" and <x> is any sequence of digits.

CAUSE
=====

This is expected behavior for gcvt().

RESOLUTION
==========

If this behavior is not desired, use the fcvt() function to convert the
floating-point number to a string.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The following code demonstrates this behavior:

Sample Code
-----------

  /*
   * Compile options needed: None
   */ 

  #include <stdio.h>
  #include <stdlib.h>

  char buffer[50];
  int precision = 20;

  void main(void)
  {
     gcvt(-0.1123, precision, buffer);    /* Decimal output */ 
     printf("buffer ........\"%s\"\n", buffer);

     gcvt(-0.0123, precision, buffer);    /* Scientific notation */ 
     printf("buffer ........\"%s\"\n", buffer);
  }

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbCRT kbVC100 kbVC150 kbVC200 kbVC400 kbVC500 kbVC600 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbCRT
Version           : 5.1 6.0 6.0a 6.0ax 7.0 1.0 1.5 2
Issue type        : kbprb

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