Pinq-calc Documentation

Pinq-calc: calculate things obviously, it turns out to be python.

Introduction

Python is a very natural way for humans to write simple calculations so a computer can compute results. For those learning Python, or who like Python, or people who want a calculator that is just a little more powerful than standard calculator apps. This app acts like calculator, but also like a python interpreter, with some small wrinkles to make it more intuitive to use as a calculator.

Can use on-screen keypad & keyboard when touch makes more sense, or you can hide those, and use a standard computer keyboard & keypad.

It's not meant to be a full python development environment, rather a small calculator for a few lines at a time. A sort of scratchpad for small pieces of calculation logic.

Terminal

• Type any Python expression or statement at the >>> prompt.
• The Enter key acts like an = on a traditional calculator, just as in python.
• Mathematical expressions (e.g., 2 + 2) are evaluated immediately.
• The python math library is pre-imported. Use sin(), cos(), pi, sqrt(), etc.
• Use Up/Down arrows for command history.
• Type clear() to reset the session.
• Type 'quit()' to exit.
• If you have a long series of calculations, the old results scroll off the top, and the interpreter window becomes scrollable, so you can still go back and see them.
• To refer to the last calculation result, it's in underscore, just like in the python interpreter.
• To store values, create a python assignment statement: LengthOfThing=34.5 You then have a LengthOfThing button you can use for inclusion in later calculations.

Modules Column (Math, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib)

• The middle column features tabs for Math, NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Tab titles in this column act as clickable links that open official documentation for each module in your web browser.
• The Math tab provides buttons for functions and constants in Python's standard math module.
• The NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib tabs provide interactive buttons for top-level entry points (np.array(), pd.DataFrame(), plt.plot(), etc.) when those libraries are installed.
• Clicking any button inserts the function or symbol directly into the interpreter.

User Defined Variables and functions

• type an assignment in python, like p=3 and in the right side column, a p button will be created, with the value 3.
• You can now change the value of p by clicking on the number.
• You can still change the value of p in the interpreter, say p=25
• You can also define python functions as you would in a python interpreter:

  
   def doublen(n):
       return 2*n
  
  

  now you have a key labelled doublen and it can invoked like any other button

Keypad

• Use the on-screen buttons for digits and operators.
• The clear button resets the entire session.
• Click the button (▼ Keypad / ▲ Keypad) at the bottom of the left column (or use View -> Show Keypad) to toggle keypad visibility. When hidden, the interpreter expands to fill the left column.

On-Screen Keyboard

• Click the toggle bar (▲ Keyboard / ▼ Keyboard) at the very bottom of the application (or use View -> Show On-Screen Keyboard) to display a full QWERTY keyboard spanning under all three columns.
• Hidden by default. Includes shift, caps lock, backspace, navigation arrows, space, and clear keys.

Symbol Table

• Variables: Double-click to edit values inline.
• Functions: Double-click to open the code editor.

Sessions

• if you make some functions and variable your would like to save for later, you can save it to a session file.
• Using the Menu: File/Save As... or Save
• The file is plain python (with a .py suffix).
• The app will remember the last session and reload it automatically.

Settings

• Toggle between Pinq Pink and System Colours in the File -> Settings menu.

Installation

• from PIP:

  • pip install pinq-calc

• from Source, to modify during development:

  • pip install -e . --break-system-packages

Contributions

This was just something I personally wanted. Suggestions and Contributions welcome. It was entirely written using Gemini, guided by my taste, such as it is. The home is: https://github.com/petersilva/pinq-calc