VAL: Your String-to-Number Translator
Tired of strings masquerading as numbers? Need to convert those textual digits into numerical values for calculations? Look no further than the VAL command, your trusty string-to-number translator! This handy function takes a string containing numeric characters and transforms it into a numeric value that you can use in your Commodore 64 BASIC programs. It's like teaching your strings the language of math!
Syntax
VAL(<string>)
Where:
- <string>: The string you want to convert into a number. The string should start with numeric characters (0-9, +, -, or a decimal point). VAL will stop reading the string as soon as it encounters a non-numeric character.
Applications
The VAL function is your go-to tool when:
- Converting user input: When you use
INPUTto get numeric values from the user, they're stored as strings.VALlets you convert them to numbers for calculations. - Parsing data from files: If your data files contain numbers stored as text,
VALcan extract those numbers for further processing. - Working with mixed data: When dealing with strings that contain both numbers and text,
VALcan isolate the numeric portions.
Code Examples
1. Simple String-to-Number Conversion:
10 A$ = "123"
20 N = VAL(A$) :rem N now stores the numeric value 123
30 PRINT N + 1 :rem Output: 124
2. Converting User Input:
10 INPUT "Enter a number: "; N$
20 N = VAL(N$) :rem Convert input string to numeric value
30 PRINT N * 2 :rem Output: Double the inputted number
VAL in the Wild: The High Score Decoder
Imagine you're creating a game for the Commodore 64 that stores high scores in a text file. The VAL command can help you read the high scores from the file, convert them to numeric values, and compare them to the player's current score to determine if they've achieved a new high score.
Don't let your strings pretend to be numbers any longer! With VAL, you can easily convert those textual digits into numeric values, opening up a world of mathematical possibilities. It's like having a decoder ring for your strings, revealing their hidden numeric identities. So embrace the power of VAL and let your numbers join the numerical conversation!
