Writing applications for uniform operation on a mainframe or PC: a metric conversion program
Charles A. Schulz · 1990
The metric system of measurement is the primary standard in all countries except the USA and two others. Use of the metric system is becoming more important to the USA for trade and commerce in the world economy. A metric conversion program was developed to convert 350 measurement units between inch-pound (or USA customary) and metric systems for engineering design and documentation. The program follows the primary national metric standard with its conversion factors and special rules for arithmetic, rounding, accuracy, formatting, and terminology. It was first developed in APL on a VM CMS mainframe system, but subsequent demand warranted a PC version. The program has been presented at national metric meetings and is briefly described here.