Removed caveat that pretty-print uses its own 'write' implementation.

[bpt/guile.git] / doc / ref / misc-modules.texi

@c -*-texinfo-*-
@c This is part of the GNU Guile Reference Manual.
@c Copyright (C)  1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
@c   Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@c See the file guile.texi for copying conditions.

@page
@node Pretty Printing
@section Pretty Printing

@c FIXME::martin: Review me!

@cindex pretty printing
The module @code{(ice-9 pretty-print)} provides the procedure
@code{pretty-print}, which provides nicely formatted output of Scheme
objects.  This is especially useful for deeply nested or complex data
structures, such as lists and vectors.

The module is loaded by simply saying.

@lisp
(use-modules (ice-9 pretty-print))
@end lisp

This makes the procedure @code{pretty-print} available.  As an example
how @code{pretty-print} will format the output, see the following:

@lisp
(pretty-print '(define (foo) (lambda (x)
(cond ((zero? x) #t) ((negative? x) -x) (else
(if (= x 1) 2 (* x x x)))))))
@print{}
(define (foo)
  (lambda (x)
    (cond ((zero? x) #t)
          ((negative? x) -x)
          (else (if (= x 1) 2 (* x x x))))))
@end lisp

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} pretty-print obj [port] [keyword-options]
Print the textual representation of the Scheme object @var{obj} to
@var{port}.  @var{port} defaults to the current output port, if not
given.

The further @var{keyword-options} are keywords and parameters as
follows,

@table @asis
@item @nicode{#:display?} @var{flag}
If @var{flag} is true then print using @code{display}.  The default is
@code{#f} which means use @code{write} style.  (@pxref{Writing})

@item @nicode{#:per-line-prefix} @var{string}
Print the given @var{string} as a prefix on each line.  The default is
no prefix.

@item @nicode{#:width} @var{columns}
Print within the given @var{columns}.  The default is 79.
@end table
@end deffn


@page
@node Formatted Output
@section Formatted Output
@cindex formatted output

@c  For reference, in this section escapes like ~a are given in
@c  @nicode, to give code font in TeX etc, but leave them unadorned in
@c  Info.
@c
@c  The idea is to reduce clutter around what's shown, and avoid any
@c  possible confusion over whether the ` ' quotes are part of what
@c  should be entered.  (In particular for instance of course ' is
@c  meaningful in a format string, introducing a char parameter).

The @code{format} function is a powerful way to print numbers, strings
and other objects together with literal text under the control of a
format string.  This function is available from

@example
(use-modules (ice-9 format))
@end example

A format string is generally more compact and easier than using just
the standard procedures like @code{display}, @code{write} and
@code{newline}.  Parameters in the output string allow various output
styles, and parameters can be taken from the arguments for runtime
flexibility.

@code{format} is similar to the Common Lisp procedure of the same
name, but it's not identical and doesn't have quite all the features
found in Common Lisp.

C programmers will note the similarity between @code{format} and
@code{printf}, though escape sequences are marked with @nicode{~}
instead of @nicode{%}, and are more powerful.

@sp 1
@deffn {Scheme Procedure} format dest fmt [args@dots{}]
Write output specified by the @var{fmt} string to @var{dest}.
@var{dest} can be an output port, @code{#t} for
@code{current-output-port} (@pxref{Default Ports}), a number for
@code{current-error-port}, or @code{#f} to return the output as a
string.

@var{fmt} can contain literal text to be output, and @nicode{~}
escapes.  Each escape has the form

@example
~ [param [, param@dots{}] [:] [@@] code
@end example

@nicode{code} is a character determining the escape sequence.  The
@nicode{:} and @nicode{@@} characters are optional modifiers, one or
both of which change the way various codes operate.  Optional
parameters are accepted by some codes too.  Parameters have the
following forms,

@table @asis
@item @nicode{[+/-] number}
An integer, with optional @nicode{+} or @nicode{-}.
@item @nicode{'}  (apostrophe)
The following character in the format string, for instance @nicode{'z}
for @nicode{z}.
@item @nicode{v}
The next function argument as the parameter.  @nicode{v} stands for
``variable'', a parameter can be calculated at runtime and included in
the arguments.  Upper case @nicode{V} can be used too.
@item @nicode{#}
The number of arguments remaining.  (See @nicode{~*} below for some
usages.)
@end table

Parameters are separated by commas (@nicode{,}).  A parameter can be
left empty to keep its default value when supplying later parameters.

@sp 1
The following escapes are available.  The code letters are not
case-sensitive, upper and lower case are the same.

@table @asis
@item @nicode{~a}
@itemx @nicode{~s}
Object output.  Parameters: @var{minwidth}, @var{padinc},
@var{minpad}, @var{padchar}.

@nicode{~a} outputs an argument like @code{display}, @nicode{~s}
outputs an argument like @code{write} (@pxref{Writing}).  

@example
(format #t "~a" "foo") @print{} foo
(format #t "~s" "foo") @print{} "foo"
@end example

With the @nicode{:} modifier, objects which don't have an external
representation are put in quotes like a string.

@example
(format #t "~:a" car) @print{} "#<primitive-procedure car>"
@end example

If the output is less than @var{minwidth} characters (default 0), it's
padded on the right with @var{padchar} (default space).  The
@nicode{@@} modifier puts the padding on the left instead.

@example
(format #f "~5a" 'abc)       @result{} "abc  "
(format #f "~5,,,'-@@a" 'abc) @result{} "--abc"
@end example

@var{minpad} is a minimum for the padding then plus a multiple of
@var{padinc}.  Ie.@: the padding is @math{@var{minpad} + @var{N} *
@var{padinc}}, where @var{n} is the smallest integer making the total
object plus padding greater than or equal to @var{minwidth}.  The
default @var{minpad} is 0 and the default @var{padinc} is 1 (imposing
no minimum or multiple).

@example
(format #f "~5,1,4a" 'abc) @result{} "abc    "
@end example

@item @nicode{~c}
Character.  Parameter: @var{charnum}.

Output a character.  The default is to simply output, as per
@code{write-char} (@pxref{Writing}).  With the @nicode{@@} modifier
output is in @code{write} style.  Or with the @nicode{:} modifier
control characters (ASCII 0 to 31) are printed in @nicode{^X} form.

@example
(format #t "~c" #\z)        @print{} z
(format #t "~@@c" #\z)       @print{} #\z
(format #t "~:c" #\newline) @print{} ^J
@end example

If the @var{charnum} parameter is given then an argument is not taken
but instead the character is @code{(integer->char @var{charnum})}
(@pxref{Characters}).  This can be used for instance to output
characters given by their ASCII code.

@example
(format #t "~65c")  @print{} A
@end example

@item @nicode{~d}
@itemx @nicode{~x}
@itemx @nicode{~o}
@itemx @nicode{~b}
Integer.  Parameters: @var{minwidth}, @var{padchar}, @var{commachar},
@var{commawidth}.

Output an integer argument as a decimal, hexadecimal, octal or binary
integer (respectively).

@example
(format #t "~d" 123) @print{} 123
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier, a @nicode{+} sign is shown on positive
numbers.

@c  FIXME: "+" is not shown on zero, unlike in Common Lisp.  Should
@c  that be changed in the code, or is it too late and should just be
@c  documented that way?

@example
(format #t "~@@b" 12) @print{} +1100
@end example

If the output is less than the @var{minwidth} parameter (default no
minimum), it's padded on the left with the @var{padchar} parameter
(default space).

@example
(format #t "~5,'*d" 12)   @print{} ***12
(format #t "~5,'0d" 12)   @print{} 00012
(format #t "~3d"    1234) @print{} 1234
@end example

The @nicode{:} modifier adds commas (or the @var{commachar} parameter)
every three digits (or the @var{commawidth} parameter many).

@example
(format #t "~:d" 1234567)         @print{} 1,234,567
(format #t "~10,'*,'/,2:d" 12345) @print{} ***1/23/45
@end example

Hexadecimal @nicode{~x} output is in lower case, but the @nicode{~(}
and @nicode{~)} case conversion directives described below can be used
to get upper case.

@example
(format #t "~x"       65261) @print{} feed
(format #t "~:@@(~x~)" 65261) @print{} FEED
@end example

@item @nicode{~r}
Integer in words, roman numerals, or a specified radix.  Parameters:
@var{radix}, @var{minwidth}, @var{padchar}, @var{commachar},
@var{commawidth}.

With no parameters output is in words as a cardinal like ``ten'', or
with the @nicode{:} modifier as an ordinal like ``tenth''.

@example
(format #t "~r" 9)  @print{} nine        ;; cardinal
(format #t "~r" -9) @print{} minus nine  ;; cardinal
(format #t "~:r" 9) @print{} ninth       ;; ordinal
@end example

And also with no parameters, the @nicode{@@} modifier gives roman
numerals and @nicode{@@} and @nicode{:} together give old roman
numerals.  In old roman numerals there's no ``subtraction'', so 9 is
@nicode{VIIII} instead of @nicode{IX}.  In both cases only positive
numbers can be output.

@example
(format #t "~@@r" 89)  @print{} LXXXIX     ;; roman
(format #t "~@@:r" 89) @print{} LXXXVIIII  ;; old roman
@end example

When a parameter is given it means numeric output in the specified
@var{radix}.  The modifiers and parameters following the radix are the
same as described for @nicode{~d} etc above.

@example
(format #f "~3r" 27)   @result{} "1000"    ;; base 3
(format #f "~3,5r" 26) @result{} "  222"   ;; base 3 width 5
@end example

@item @nicode{~f}
Fixed-point float.  Parameters: @var{width}, @var{decimals},
@var{scale}, @var{overflowchar}, @var{padchar}.

Output a number or number string in fixed-point format, ie.@: with a
decimal point.

@example
(format #t "~f" 5)      @print{} 5.0
(format #t "~f" "123")  @print{} 123.0
(format #t "~f" "1e-1") @print{} 0.1
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier a @nicode{+} sign is shown on positive
numbers (including zero).

@example
(format #t "~@@f" 0) @print{} +0.0
@end example

If the output is less than @var{width} characters it's padded on the
left with @var{padchar} (space by default).  If the output equals or
exceeds @var{width} then there's no padding.  The default for
@var{width} is no padding.

@example
(format #f "~6f" -1.5)      @result{} "  -1.5"
(format #f "~6,,,,'*f" 23)  @result{} "**23.0"
(format #f "~6f" 1234567.0) @result{} "1234567.0"
@end example

@var{decimals} is how many digits to print after the decimal point,
with the value rounded or padded with zeros as necessary.  (The
default is to output as many decimals as required.)

@example
(format #t "~1,2f" 3.125) @print{} 3.13
(format #t "~1,2f" 1.5)   @print{} 1.50
@end example

@var{scale} is a power of 10 applied to the value, moving the decimal
point that many places.  A positive @var{scale} increases the value
shown, a negative decreases it.

@example
(format #t "~,,2f" 1234)  @print{} 123400.0
(format #t "~,,-2f" 1234) @print{} 12.34
@end example

If @var{overflowchar} and @var{width} are both given and if the output
would exceed @var{width}, then that many @var{overflowchar}s are
printed instead of the value.

@example
(format #t "~5,,,'xf" 12345) @print{} 12345
(format #t "~4,,,'xf" 12345) @print{} xxxx
@end example

@item @nicode{~e}
Exponential float.  Parameters: @var{width}, @var{mantdigits},
@var{expdigits}, @var{intdigits}, @var{overflowchar}, @var{padchar},
@var{expchar}.

Output a number or number string in exponential notation.

@example
(format #t "~e" 5000.25) @print{} 5.00025E+3
(format #t "~e" "123.4") @print{} 1.234E+2
(format #t "~e" "1e4")   @print{} 1.0E+4
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier a @nicode{+} sign is shown on positive
numbers (including zero).  (This is for the mantissa, a @nicode{+} or
@nicode{-} sign is always shown on the exponent.)

@example
(format #t "~@@e" 5000.0) @print{} +5.0E+3
@end example

If the output is less than @var{width} characters it's padded on the
left with @var{padchar} (space by default).  The default for
@var{width} is to output with no padding.

@example
(format #f "~10e" 1234.0)     @result{} "  1.234E+3"
(format #f "~10,,,,,'*e" 0.5) @result{} "****5.0E-1"
@end example

@c  FIXME: Describe what happens when the number is bigger than WIDTH.
@c  There seems to be a bit of dodginess about this, or some deviation
@c  from Common Lisp.

@var{mantdigits} is the number of digits shown in the mantissa after
the decimal point.  The value is rounded or trailing zeros are added
as necessary.  The default @var{mantdigits} is to show as much as
needed by the value.

@example
(format #f "~,3e" 11111.0) @result{} "1.111E+4"
(format #f "~,8e" 123.0)   @result{} "1.23000000E+2"
@end example

@var{expdigits} is the minimum number of digits shown for the
exponent, with leading zeros added if necessary.  The default for
@var{expdigits} is to show only as many digits as required.  At least
1 digit is always shown.

@example
(format #f "~,,1e" 1.0e99) @result{} "1.0E+99"
(format #f "~,,6e" 1.0e99) @result{} "1.0E+000099"
@end example

@var{intdigits} (default 1) is the number of digits to show before the
decimal point in the mantissa.  @var{intdigits} can be zero, in which
case the integer part is a single @nicode{0}, or it can be negative,
in which case leading zeros are shown after the decimal point.

@c  FIXME: When INTDIGITS is 0, Common Lisp format apparently only
@c  shows the single 0 digit if it fits in WIDTH.  format.scm seems to
@c  show it always.  Is it meant to?

@example
(format #t "~,,,3e" 12345.0)  @print{} 123.45E+2
(format #t "~,,,0e" 12345.0)  @print{} 0.12345E+5
(format #t "~,,,-3e" 12345.0) @print{} 0.00012345E+8
@end example

@c  FIXME: MANTDIGITS with negative INTDIGITS doesn't match CL spec,
@c  believe the spec says it ought to still show mantdigits+1 sig
@c  figures, ie. leading zeros don't count towards MANTDIGITS, but it
@c  seems to just treat MANTDIGITS as how many digits after the
@c  decimal point.

If @var{overflowchar} is given then @var{width} is a hard limit.  If
the output would exceed @var{width} then instead that many
@var{overflowchar}s are printed.

@example
(format #f "~6,,,,'xe" 100.0) @result{} "1.0E+2"
(format #f "~3,,,,'xe" 100.0) @result{} "xxx"
@end example

@var{expchar} is the exponent marker character (default @nicode{E}).

@example
(format #t "~,,,,,,'ee" 100.0) @print{} 1.0e+2
@end example

@item @nicode{~g}
General float.  Parameters: @var{width}, @var{mantdigits},
@var{expdigits}, @var{intdigits}, @var{overflowchar}, @var{padchar},
@var{expchar}.

Output a number or number string in either exponential format the same
as @nicode{~e}, or fixed-point format like @nicode{~f} but aligned
where the mantissa would have been and followed by padding where the
exponent would have been.

@c  FIXME: The default MANTDIGITS is apparently max(needed,min(n,7))
@c  where 10^(n-1)<=abs(x)<=10^n.  But the Common Lisp spec seems to
@c  ask for "needed" to be without leading or trailing zeros, whereas
@c  format.scm seems to include trailing zeros, ending up with it
@c  using fixed format for bigger values than it should.

Fixed-point is used when the absolute value is 0.1 or more and it
takes no more space than the mantissa in exponential format, ie.@:
basically up to @var{mantdigits} digits.

@example
(format #f "~12,4,2g" 999.0)    @result{} "   999.0    "
(format #f "~12,4,2g" "100000") @result{} "  1.0000E+05"
@end example

The parameters are interpreted as per @nicode{~e} above.  When
fixed-point is used, the @var{decimals} parameter to @nicode{~f} is
established from @var{mantdigits}, so as to give a total
@math{@var{mantdigits}+1} figures.

@item @nicode{~$}
Monetary style fixed-point float.  Parameters: @var{decimals},
@var{intdigits}, @var{width}, @var{padchar}.

@c  For reference, fmtdoc.txi from past versions of slib showed the
@c  INTDIGITS parameter as SCALE.  That looks like a typo, in the code
@c  and in the Common Lisp spec it's a minimum digits for the integer
@c  part, it isn't a power of 10 like in ~f.

Output a number or number string in fixed-point format, ie.@: with a
decimal point.  @var{decimals} is the number of decimal places to
show, default 2.

@example
(format #t "~$" 5)       @print{} 5.00
(format #t "~4$" "2.25") @print{} 2.2500
(format #t "~4$" "1e-2") @print{} 0.0100
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier a @nicode{+} sign is shown on positive
numbers (including zero).

@example
(format #t "~@@$" 0) @print{} +0.00
@end example

@var{intdigits} is a minimum number of digits to show in the integer
part of the value (default 1).

@example
(format #t "~,3$" 9.5)   @print{} 009.50
(format #t "~,0$" 0.125) @print{} .13
@end example

If the output is less than @var{width} characters (default 0), it's
padded on the left with @var{padchar} (default space).  With the
@nicode{:} modifier the padding is output after the sign.

@example
(format #f "~,,8$" -1.5)   @result{} "   -1.50"
(format #f "~,,8:$" -1.5)  @result{} "-   1.50"
(format #f "~,,8,'.@@:$" 3) @result{} "+...3.00"
@end example

Note that floating point for dollar amounts is generally not a good
idea, because a cent @math{0.01} cannot be represented exactly in the
binary floating point Guile uses, which leads to slowly accumulating
rounding errors.  Keeping values as cents (or fractions of a cent) in
integers then printing with the scale option in @nicode{~f} may be a
better approach.

@c  For reference, fractions don't work with ~$ (or any of the float
@c  conversions) currently.  If they did work then we could perhaps
@c  suggest keeping dollar amounts as rationals, which would of course
@c  give exact cents.  An integer as cents is probably still a better
@c  recommendation though, since it forces one to think about where
@c  and when rounding can or should occur.

@item @nicode{~i}
Complex fixed-point float.  Parameters: @var{width}, @var{decimals},
@var{scale}, @var{overflowchar}, @var{padchar}.

@c  For reference, in Common Lisp ~i is an indent, but slib fmtdoc.txi
@c  described it as complex number output, so we keep that.

Output the argument as a complex number, with both real and imaginary
part shown (even if one or both are zero).

The parameters and modifiers are the same as for fixed-point
@nicode{~f} described above.  The real and imaginary parts are both
output with the same given parameters and modifiers, except that for
the imaginary part the @nicode{@@} modifier is always enabled, so as
to print a @nicode{+} sign between the real and imaginary parts.

@example
(format #t "~i" 1)  @print{} 1.0+0.0i
@end example

@item @nicode{~p}
Plural.  No parameters.

Output nothing if the argument is 1, or @samp{s} for any other
value.

@example
(format #t "enter name~p" 1) @print{} enter name
(format #t "enter name~p" 2) @print{} enter names
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier, the output is @samp{y} for 1 or
@samp{ies} otherwise.

@example
(format #t "pupp~@@p" 1) @print{} puppy
(format #t "pupp~@@p" 2) @print{} puppies
@end example

The @nicode{:} modifier means re-use the preceding argument instead of
taking a new one, which can be convenient when printing some sort of
count.

@example
(format #t "~d cat~:p" 9) @print{} 9 cats
@end example

@item @nicode{~y}
Pretty print.  No parameters.

Output an argument with @code{pretty-print} (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).

@item @nicode{~?}
@itemx @nicode{~k}
Sub-format.  No parameters.

Take a format string argument and a second argument which is a list of
arguments for it, and output the result.  With the @nicode{@@}
modifier, the arguments for the sub-format are taken directly rather
than from a list.

@example
(format #t "~?"     "~d ~d" '(1 2))    @print{} 1 2
(format #t "~@@? ~s" "~d ~d" 1 2 "foo") @print{} 1 2 "foo"
@end example

@nicode{~?} and @nicode{~k} are the same, @nicode{~k} is provided for
T-Scheme compatibility.

@item @nicode{~*}
Argument jumping.  Parameter: @var{N}.

Move forward @var{N} arguments (default 1) in the argument list.  With
the @nicode{:} modifier move backwards.  @var{N} can be negative to
move backwards too.

@example
(format #f "~d ~:*~d" 6) @result{} "6 6"
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier, move to argument number @var{N}.  The
first argument is number 0 (and that's the default for @var{N}).

@example
(format #f "~d~d again ~@@*~d~d" 1 2) @result{} "12 again 12"
(format #f "~d~d~d ~1@@*~d~d" 1 2 3)  @result{} "123 23"
@end example

At the end of the format string the last argument must have been
consumed, or a ``too many arguments'' error results.  If the last
argument is not the last to be printed, then a move to skip the
remaining must be given.  This can be done with the @nicode{#}
parameter (count of remaining arguments).

@example
(format #t "~2*~d"    1 2 3 4)  ;; error
(format #t "~2*~d~#*" 1 2 3 4)  @result{} 3
@end example

A @nicode{#} move to the end followed by a @nicode{:} modifier move
back can be used for an absolute position relative to the end of the
argument list, a reverse of what the @nicode{@@} modifier does.

@item @nicode{~t}
Advance to a column position.  Parameters: @var{colnum}, @var{colinc},
@var{padchar}.

Output @var{padchar} (space by default) to move to the given
@var{colnum} column.  The start of the line is column 0, the default
for @var{colnum} is 1.

@example
(format #f "~tX")  @result{} " X"
(format #f "~3tX") @result{} "   X"
@end example

If the current column is already past @var{colnum}, then the move is
to there plus a multiple of @var{colinc}, ie.@: column
@math{@var{colnum} + @var{N} * @var{colinc}} for the smallest @var{N}
which makes that value greater than or equal to the current column.
The default @var{colinc} is 1 (which means no further move).

@example
(format #f "abcd~2,5,'.tx") @result{} "abcd...x"
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier, @var{colnum} is relative to the current
column.  @var{colnum} many padding characters are output, then further
padding to make the current column a multiple of @var{colinc}, if it
isn't already so.

@example
(format #f "a~3,5'*@@tx") @result{} "a****x"
@end example

@item @nicode{~~}
Tilde character.  Parameter: @var{n}.

Output a tilde character @nicode{~}, or @var{n} many if a parameter is
given.  Normally @nicode{~} introduces an escape sequence, @nicode{~~}
is the way to output a literal tilde.

@item @nicode{~%}
Newline.  Parameter: @var{n}.

Output a newline character, or @var{n} many if a parameter is given.
A newline (or a few newlines) can of course be output just by
including them in the format string.

@item @nicode{~&}
Start a new line.  Parameter: @var{n}.

Output a newline if not already at the start of a line.  With a
parameter, output that many newlines, but with the first only if not
already at the start of a line.  So for instance 3 would be a newline
if not already at the start of a line, and 2 further newlines.

@item @nicode{~_}
Space character.  Parameter: @var{n}.

@c  For reference, in Common Lisp ~_ is a conditional newline, but
@c  slib fmtdoc.txi described it as a space, so we keep that.

Output a space character, or @var{n} many if a parameter is given.

With a variable parameter this is one way to insert runtime calculated
padding (@nicode{~t} or the various field widths can do similar
things).

@example
(format #f "~v_foo" 4) @result{} "    foo"
@end example

@item @nicode{~/}
Tab character.  Parameter: @var{n}.

Output a tab character, or @var{n} many if a parameter is given.

@item @nicode{~|}
Formfeed character.  Parameter: @var{n}.

Output a formfeed character, or @var{n} many if a parameter is given.

@item @nicode{~!}
Force output.  No parameters.

At the end of output, call @code{force-output} to flush any buffers on
the destination (@pxref{Writing}).  @nicode{~!} can occur anywhere in
the format string, but the force is done at the end of output.

When output is to a string (destination @code{#f}), @nicode{~!} does
nothing.

@item @nicode{~newline}  (ie.@: newline character)
Continuation line.  No parameters.

Skip this newline and any following whitespace in the format string,
don't send it to the output.  With the @nicode{:} modifier the newline
is not output but any further following whitespace is.  With the
@nicode{@@} modifier the newline is output but not any following
whitespace.

This escape can be used to break up a long format string into multiple
lines for readability, but supress that extra whitespace.

@example
(format #f "abc~
            ~d def~
            ~d" 1 2) @result{} "abc1 def2"
@end example

@item @nicode{~(} @nicode{~)}
Case conversion.  Between @nicode{~(} and @nicode{~)} the case of all
output is changed.  The modifiers on @nicode{~(} control the
conversion.

@itemize @w{}
@item
no modifiers --- lower case.
@c
@c  FIXME: The : and @ modifiers are not yet documented because the
@c  code applies string-capitalize and string-capitalize-first to each
@c  separate format:out-str call, which has various subtly doubtful
@c  effects.  And worse they're applied to individual characters,
@c  including literal characters in the format string, which has the
@c  silly effect of being always an upcase.
@c
@c  The Common Lisp spec is apparently for the capitalization to be
@c  applied in one hit to the whole of the output between ~( and ~).
@c  (This can no doubt be implemented without accumulating all that
@c  text, just by keeping a state or the previous char to tell whether
@c  within a word.)
@c
@c  @item
@c  @nicode{:} --- first letter of each word upper case, the rest lower
@c  case, as per the @code{string-capitalize} function (@pxref{Alphabetic
@c  Case Mapping}).
@c  @item
@c  @nicode{@@} --- first letter of just the first word upper case, the
@c  rest lower case.
@c
@item
@nicode{:} and @nicode{@@} together --- upper case.
@end itemize

For example,

@example
(format #t "~(Hello~)")   @print{} hello
(format #t "~@@:(Hello~)") @print{} HELLO
@end example

In the future it's intended the modifiers @nicode{:} and @nicode{@@}
alone will capitalize the first letters of words, as per Common Lisp
@code{format}, but the current implementation of this is flawed and
not recommended for use.

Case conversions do not nest, currently.  This might change in the
future, but if it does then it will be to Common Lisp style where the
outermost conversion has priority, overriding inner ones (making those
fairly pointless).

@item @nicode{~@{} @nicode{~@}}
Iteration.  Parameter: @var{maxreps} (for @nicode{~@{}).

The format between @nicode{~@{} and @nicode{~@}} is iterated.  The
modifiers to @nicode{~@{} determine how arguments are taken.  The
default is a list argument with each iteration successively consuming
elements from it.  This is a convenient way to output a whole list.

@example
(format #t "~@{~d~@}"     '(1 2 3))       @print{} 123
(format #t "~@{~s=~d ~@}" '("x" 1 "y" 2)) @print{} "x"=1 "y"=2
@end example

With the @nicode{:} modifier a list of lists argument is taken, each
of those lists gives the arguments for the iterated format.

@example
(format #t "~:@{~dx~d ~@}" '((1 2) (3 4) (5 6))) @print{} 1x2 3x4 5x6
@end example

With the @nicode{@@} modifier, the remaining arguments are used, each
iteration successively consuming elements.

@example
(format #t "~@@@{~d~@}"     1 2 3)       @print{} 123
(format #t "~@@@{~s=~d ~@}" "x" 1 "y" 2) @print{} "x"=1 "y"=2
@end example

With both @nicode{:} and @nicode{@@} modifiers, the remaining
arguments are used, each is a list of arguments for the format.

@example
(format #t "~:@@@{~dx~d ~@}" '(1 2) '(3 4) '(5 6)) @print{} 1x2 3x4 5x6
@end example

Iterating stops when there are no more arguments or when the
@var{maxreps} parameter to @nicode{~@{} is reached (default no
maximum).

@example
(format #t "~2@{~d~@}" '(1 2 3 4)) @print{} 12
@end example

If the format between @nicode{~@{} and @nicode{~@}} is empty, then a
format string argument is taken (before iteration argument(s)) and
used instead.  This allows a sub-format (like @nicode{~?} above) to be
iterated.

@example
(format #t "~@{~@}" "~d" '(1 2 3)) @print{} 123
@end example

@c  FIXME: What is the @nicode{:} modifier to ~} meant to do?  The
@c  Common Lisp spec says it's a minimum of 1 iteration, but the
@c  format.scm code seems to merely make it have MAXREPS default to 1.

Iterations can be nested, an inner iteration operates in the same way
as described, but of course on the arguments the outer iteration
provides it.  This can be used to work into nested list structures.
For example in the following the inner @nicode{~@{~d~@}x} is applied
to @code{(1 2)} then @code{(3 4 5)} etc.

@example
(format #t "~@{~@{~d~@}x~@}" '((1 2) (3 4 5))) @print{} 12x345x
@end example

@item @nicode{~[} @nicode{~;} @nicode{~]}
Conditional.  Parameter: @var{selector}.

A conditional block is delimited by @nicode{~[} and @nicode{~]}, and
@nicode{~;} separates clauses within the block.  @nicode{~[} takes an
integer argument and that number clause is used.  The first clause is
number 0.

@example
(format #f "~[peach~;banana~;mango~]" 1)  @result{} "banana"
@end example

The @var{selector} parameter can be used for the clause number,
instead of taking an argument.

@example
(format #f "~2[peach~;banana~;mango~]") @result{} "mango"
@end example

If the clause number is out of range then nothing is output.  Or the
last @nicode{~;} can have a @nicode{:} modifier to make it the default
for a number out of range.

@example
(format #f "~[banana~;mango~]"         99) @result{} ""
(format #f "~[banana~;mango~:;fruit~]" 99) @result{} "fruit"
@end example

The @nicode{:} modifier to @nicode{~[} treats the argument as a flag,
and expects two clauses.  The first used if the argument is @code{#f}
or the second otherwise.

@example
(format #f "~:[false~;not false~]" #f)   @result{} "false"
(format #f "~:[false~;not false~]" 'abc) @result{} "not false"

(let ((n 3))
  (format #t "~d gnu~:[s are~; is~] here" n (= 1 n)))
@print{} 3 gnus are here
@end example

The @nicode{@@} modifier to @nicode{~[} also treats the argument as a
flag, and expects one clause.  If the argument is @code{#f} then no
output is produced and the argument is consumed, otherwise the clause
is used and the argument is not consumed by @nicode{~[}, it's left for
the clause.  This can be used for instance to suppress output if
@code{#f} means something not available.

@example
(format #f "~@@[temperature=~d~]" 27) @result{} "temperature=27"
(format #f "~@@[temperature=~d~]" #f) @result{} ""
@end example

@item @nicode{~^}
Escape.  Parameters: @var{val1}, @var{val2}, @var{val3}.

Stop formatting if there are no more arguments.  This can be used for
instance to let a format string adapt to a variable number of
arguments.

@example
(format #t "~d~^ ~d" 1)   @print{} 1
(format #t "~d~^ ~d" 1 2) @print{} 1 2
@end example

Within a @nicode{~@{} @nicode{~@}} iteration, @nicode{~^} stops the
current iteration step if there are no more arguments to that step,
continuing with possible further steps (for instance in the case of
the @nicode{:} modifier to @nicode{~@{}) and the rest of the format.

@example
(format #f "~@{~d~^/~@} go"    '(1 2 3))     @result{} "1/2/3 go"
(format #f "~:@{ ~d~^~d~@} go" '((1) (2 3))) @result{} " 1 23 go"
@end example

@c  For reference, format.scm doesn't implement that Common Lisp ~:^
@c  modifier which stops the entire iterating of ~:{ or ~@:{.

@c  FIXME: Believe the Common Lisp spec is for ~^ within ~[ ~]
@c  conditional to terminate the whole format (or iteration step if in
@c  an iteration).  But format.scm seems to terminate just the
@c  conditional form.
@c
@c      (format #f "~[abc~^def~;ghi~] blah" 0)
@c      @result{} "abc blah"                    ;; looks wrong

@c  FIXME: Believe the Common Lisp spec is for ~^ within ~( ~) to end
@c  that case conversion and then also terminate the whole format (or
@c  iteration step if in an iteration).  But format.scm doesn't seem
@c  to do that quite right.
@c
@c      (format #f "~d ~^ ~d" 1)      @result{} "1 "
@c      (format #f "~(~d ~^ ~d~)" 1)  @result{} ERROR

Within a @nicode{~?} sub-format, @nicode{~^} operates just on that
sub-format.  If it terminates the sub-format then the originating
format will still continue.

@example
(format #t "~? items" "~d~^ ~d" '(1))   @print{} 1 items
(format #t "~? items" "~d~^ ~d" '(1 2)) @print{} 1 2 items
@end example

The parameters to @nicode{~^} (which are numbers) change the condition
used to terminate.  For a single parameter, termination is when that
value is zero (notice this makes plain @nicode{~^} equivalent to
@nicode{~#^}).  For two parameters, termination is when those two are
equal.  For three parameters, termination is when @math{@var{val1}
@le{} @var{val2}} and @math{@var{val2} @le{} @var{val3}}.

@c  FIXME: Good examples of these?

@item @nicode{~q}
Inquiry message.  Insert a copyright message into the output.  With
the @nicode{:} modifier insert the format implementation version.
@end table

@sp 1
It's an error if there are too many or not enough arguments for the
escapes in the format string.  (Unwanted arguments can be skipped with
an argument jump @nicode{~#*} described above if desired.)

Iterations @nicode{~@{} @nicode{~@}} and conditionals @nicode{~[}
@nicode{~;} @nicode{~]} can be nested, but must be properly nested,
meaning the inner form must be entirely within the outer form.  So
it's not possible, for instance, to try to conditionalize the endpoint
of an iteration.

@example
(format #t "~@{ ~[ ... ~] ~@}" ...)       ;; good
(format #t "~@{ ~[ ... ~@} ... ~]" ...)   ;; bad
@end example

The same applies to case conversions @nicode{~(} @nicode{~)}, they
must properly nest with respect to iterations and conditionals (though
currently a case conversion cannot nest within another case
conversion).

When a sub-format (@nicode{~?}) is used, that sub-format string must
be self-contained.  It cannot for instance give a @nicode{~@{} to
begin an iteration form and have the @nicode{~@}} up in the
originating format, or similar.
@end deffn

@sp 1
Guile contains a @code{format} procedure even when the module
@code{(ice-9 format)} is not loaded.  The default @code{format} is
@code{simple-format} (@pxref{Writing}), it doesn't support all escape
sequences documented in this section, and will signal an error if you
try to use one of them.  The reason for two versions is that the full
@code{format} is fairly large and requires some time to load.
@code{simple-format} is often adequate too.


@page
@node Rx Regexps
@section The Rx Regular Expression Library

[FIXME: this is taken from Gary and Mark's quick summaries and should be
reviewed and expanded.  Rx is pretty stable, so could already be done!]

@cindex rx
@cindex finite automaton

The @file{guile-lang-allover} package provides an interface to Tom
Lord's Rx library (currently only to POSIX regular expressions).  Use of
the library requires a two step process: compile a regular expression
into an efficient structure, then use the structure in any number of
string comparisons.

For example, given the regular expression @samp{abc.} (which matches any
string containing @samp{abc} followed by any single character):

@smalllisp
guile> @kbd{(define r (regcomp "abc."))}
guile> @kbd{r}
#<rgx abc.>
guile> @kbd{(regexec r "abc")}
#f
guile> @kbd{(regexec r "abcd")}
#((0 . 4))
guile>
@end smalllisp

The definitions of @code{regcomp} and @code{regexec} are as follows:

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} regcomp pattern [flags]
Compile the regular expression pattern using POSIX rules.  Flags is
optional and should be specified using symbolic names:
@defvar REG_EXTENDED
use extended POSIX syntax
@end defvar
@defvar REG_ICASE
use case-insensitive matching
@end defvar
@defvar REG_NEWLINE
allow anchors to match after newline characters in the
string and prevents @code{.} or @code{[^...]} from matching newlines.
@end defvar

The @code{logior} procedure can be used to combine multiple flags.
The default is to use
POSIX basic syntax, which makes @code{+} and @code{?}  literals and @code{\+}
and @code{\?}
operators.  Backslashes in @var{pattern} must be escaped if specified in a
literal string e.g., @code{"\\(a\\)\\?"}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} regexec regex string [match-pick] [flags]
Match @var{string} against the compiled POSIX regular expression
@var{regex}.
@var{match-pick} and @var{flags} are optional.  Possible flags (which can be
combined using the logior procedure) are:

@defvar REG_NOTBOL
The beginning of line operator won't match the beginning of
@var{string} (presumably because it's not the beginning of a line)
@end defvar

@defvar REG_NOTEOL
Similar to REG_NOTBOL, but prevents the end of line operator
from matching the end of @var{string}.
@end defvar

If no match is possible, regexec returns #f.  Otherwise @var{match-pick}
determines the return value:

@code{#t} or unspecified: a newly-allocated vector is returned,
containing pairs with the indices of the matched part of @var{string} and any
substrings.

@code{""}: a list is returned: the first element contains a nested list
with the matched part of @var{string} surrounded by the the unmatched parts.
Remaining elements are matched substrings (if any).  All returned
substrings share memory with @var{string}.

@code{#f}: regexec returns #t if a match is made, otherwise #f.

vector: the supplied vector is returned, with the first element replaced
by a pair containing the indices of the matched portion of @var{string} and
further elements replaced by pairs containing the indices of matched
substrings (if any).

list: a list will be returned, with each member of the list
specified by a code in the corresponding position of the supplied list:

a number: the numbered matching substring (0 for the entire match).

@code{#\<}: the beginning of @var{string} to the beginning of the part matched
by regex.

@code{#\>}: the end of the matched part of @var{string} to the end of
@var{string}.

@code{#\c}: the "final tag", which seems to be associated with the "cut
operator", which doesn't seem to be available through the posix
interface.

e.g., @code{(list #\< 0 1 #\>)}.  The returned substrings share memory with
@var{string}.
@end deffn

Here are some other procedures that might be used when using regular
expressions:

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} compiled-regexp? obj
Test whether obj is a compiled regular expression.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} regexp->dfa regex [flags]
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} dfa-fork dfa
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} reset-dfa! dfa
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} dfa-final-tag dfa
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} dfa-continuable? dfa
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} advance-dfa! dfa string
@end deffn


@node File Tree Walk
@section File Tree Walk
@cindex file tree walk

The functions in this section traverse a tree of files and
directories, in a fashion similar to the C @code{ftw} and @code{nftw}
routines (@pxref{Working with Directory Trees,,, libc, GNU C Library
Reference Manual}).

@example
(use-modules (ice-9 ftw))
@end example
@sp 1

@defun ftw startname proc ['hash-size n]
Walk the filesystem tree descending from @var{startname}, calling
@var{proc} for each file and directory.

Hard links and symbolic links are followed.  A file or directory is
reported to @var{proc} only once, and skipped if seen again in another
place.  One consequence of this is that @code{ftw} is safe against
circularly linked directory structures.

Each @var{proc} call is @code{(@var{proc} filename statinfo flag)} and
it should return @code{#t} to continue, or any other value to stop.

@var{filename} is the item visited, being @var{startname} plus a
further path and the name of the item.  @var{statinfo} is the return
from @code{stat} (@pxref{File System}) on @var{filename}.  @var{flag}
is one of the following symbols,

@table @code
@item regular
@var{filename} is a file, this includes special files like devices,
named pipes, etc.

@item directory
@var{filename} is a directory.

@item invalid-stat
An error occurred when calling @code{stat}, so nothing is known.
@var{statinfo} is @code{#f} in this case.

@item directory-not-readable
@var{filename} is a directory, but one which cannot be read and hence
won't be recursed into.

@item symlink
@var{filename} is a dangling symbolic link.  Symbolic links are
normally followed and their target reported, the link itself is
reported if the target does not exist.
@end table

The return value from @code{ftw} is @code{#t} if it ran to completion,
or otherwise the non-@code{#t} value from @var{proc} which caused the
stop.

Optional argument symbol @code{hash-size} and an integer can be given
to set the size of the hash table used to track items already visited.
(@pxref{Hash Table Reference})

@c  Actually, it's probably safe to escape from ftw, just need to
@c  check it.
@c
In the current implementation, returning non-@code{#t} from @var{proc}
is the only valid way to terminate @code{ftw}.  @var{proc} must not
use @code{throw} or similar to escape.
@end defun


@defun nftw startname proc ['chdir] ['depth] ['hash-size n] ['mount] ['physical]
Walk the filesystem tree starting at @var{startname}, calling
@var{proc} for each file and directory.  @code{nftw} has extra
features over the basic @code{ftw} described above.

Hard links and symbolic links are followed, but a file or directory is
reported to @var{proc} only once, and skipped if seen again in another
place.  One consequence of this is that @code{nftw} is safe against
circular linked directory structures.

Each @var{proc} call is @code{(@var{proc} filename statinfo flag
basename level)} and it should return @code{#t} to continue, or any
other value to stop.

@var{filename} is the item visited, being @var{startname} plus a
further path and the name of the item.  @var{statinfo} is the return
from @code{stat} on @var{filename} (@pxref{File System}).
@var{basename} it the item name without any path.  @var{level} is an
integer giving the directory nesting level, starting from 0 for the
contents of @var{startname} (or that item itself if it's a file).
@var{flag} is one of the following symbols,

@table @code
@item regular
@var{filename} is a file, this includes special files like devices,
named pipes, etc.

@item directory
@var{filename} is a directory.

@item directory-processed
@var{filename} is a directory, and its contents have all been visited.
This flag is given instead of @code{directory} when the @code{depth}
option below is used.

@item invalid-stat
An error occurred when applying @code{stat} to @var{filename}, so
nothing is known about it.  @var{statinfo} is @code{#f} in this case.

@item directory-not-readable
@var{filename} is a directory, but one which cannot be read and hence
won't be recursed into.

@item symlink
@var{filename} is a dangling symbolic link.  Symbolic links are
normally followed and their target reported, the link itself is
reported if the target does not exist.

Under the @code{physical} option described below, @code{symlink} is
instead given for symbolic links whose target does exist.

@item stale-symlink
Under the @code{physical} option described below, this indicates
@var{filename} is a dangling symbolic link, meaning its target does
not exist.  Without the @code{physical} option plain @code{symlink}
indicates this.
@end table

The following optional arguments can be given to modify the way
@code{nftw} works.  Each is passed as a symbol (and @code{hash-size}
takes a following integer value).

@table @asis
@item @code{chdir}
Change to the directory containing the item before calling @var{proc}.
When @code{nftw} returns the original current directory is restored.

Under this option, generally the @var{basename} parameter should be
used to access the item in each @var{proc} call.  The @var{filename}
parameter still has a path as normal and this will only be valid if
the @var{startname} directory was absolute.

@item @code{depth}
Visit files ``depth first'', meaning @var{proc} is called for the
contents of each directory before it's called for the directory
itself.  Normally a directory is reported first, then its contents.

Under this option, the @var{flag} to @var{proc} for a directory is
@code{directory-processed} instead of @code{directory}.

@item @code{hash-size @var{n}}
Set the size of the hash table used to track items already visited.
(@pxref{Hash Table Reference})

@item @code{mount}
Don't cross a mount point, meaning only visit items on the same
filesystem as @var{startname}.  (Ie.@: the same @code{stat:dev}.)

@item @code{physical}
Don't follow symbolic links, instead report them to @var{proc} as
@code{symlink}, and report dangling links as @code{stale-symlink}.
@end table

The return value from @code{nftw} is @code{#t} if it ran to
completion, or otherwise the non-@code{#t} value from @var{proc} which
caused the stop.

@c  For reference, one reason not to esacpe is that the current
@c  directory is not saved and restored with dynamic-wind.  Maybe
@c  changing that would be enough to allow escaping.
@c
In the current implementation, returning non-@code{#t} from @var{proc}
is the only valid way to terminate @code{ftw}.  @var{proc} must not
use @code{throw} or similar to escape.
@end defun


@node Queues
@section Queues
@cindex Queues
@tindex Queues

@noindent
The functions in this section are provided by

@example
(use-modules (ice-9 q))
@end example

This module implements queues holding arbitrary scheme objects and
designed for efficient first-in / first-out operations.

@code{make-q} creates a queue, and objects are entered and removed
with @code{enq!} and @code{deq!}.  @code{q-push!}  and @code{q-pop!}
can be used too, treating the front of the queue like a stack.

@sp 1

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} make-q
Return a new queue.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q? obj
Return @code{#t} if @var{obj} is a queue, or @code{#f} if not.

Note that queues are not a distinct class of objects but are
implemented with cons cells.  For that reason certain list structures
can get @code{#t} from @code{q?}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} enq! q obj
Add @var{obj} to the rear of @var{q}, and return @var{q}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} deq! q
@deffnx {Scheme Procedure} q-pop! q
Remove and return the front element from @var{q}.  If @var{q} is
empty, a @code{q-empty} exception is thrown.

@code{deq!} and @code{q-pop!} are the same operation, the two names
just let an application match @code{enq!} with @code{deq!}, or
@code{q-push!} with @code{q-pop!}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-push! q obj
Add @var{obj} to the front of @var{q}, and return @var{q}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-length q
Return the number of elements in @var{q}.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-empty? q
Return true if @var{q} is empty.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-empty-check q
Throw a @code{q-empty} exception if @var{q} is empty.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-front q
Return the first element of @var{q} (without removing it).  If @var{q}
is empty, a @code{q-empty} exception is thrown.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-rear q
Return the last element of @var{q} (without removing it).  If @var{q}
is empty, a @code{q-empty} exception is thrown.
@end deffn

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} q-remove! q obj
Remove all occurences of @var{obj} from @var{q}, and return @var{q}.
@var{obj} is compared to queue elements using @code{eq?}.
@end deffn

@sp 1
@cindex @code{q-empty}
The @code{q-empty} exceptions described above are thrown just as
@code{(throw 'q-empty)}, there's no message etc like an error throw.

A queue is implemented as a cons cell, the @code{car} containing a
list of queued elements, and the @code{cdr} being the last cell in
that list (for ease of enqueuing).

@example
(@var{list} . @var{last-cell})
@end example

@noindent
If the queue is empty, @var{list} is the empty list and
@var{last-cell} is @code{#f}.

An application can directly access the queue list if desired, for
instance to search the elements or to insert at a specific point.

@deffn {Scheme Procedure} sync-q! q
Recompute the @var{last-cell} field in @var{q}.

All the operations above maintain @var{last-cell} as described, so
normally there's no need for @code{sync-q!}.  But if an application
modifies the queue @var{list} then it must either maintain
@var{last-cell} similarly, or call @code{sync-q!} to recompute it.
@end deffn


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