NAME

Math::GMPf - perl interface to the GMP library's floating point (mpf) functions.

DEPENDENCIES

This module needs the GMP C library - available from:
http://gmplib.org

DESCRIPTION

A bigfloat module utilising the Gnu MP (GMP) library.
Basically this module simply wraps all of the 'mpf'
floating point functions provided by that library.
The documentation below extensively plagiarises the
GMP documentation at https://gmplib.org .
See the Math::GMPf test suite for some examples
of usage.

SYNOPSIS

use Math::GMPf qw(:mpf);

my $string = '.123542@2'; # mantissa = (.)12345
                      # exponent = 2
# my $string = '12.354'; # alternative string format

my $base = 10;

# Set the default precision to at least 80 bits.
Rmpf_set_default_prec(80);

# Create the Math::GMPf object
my $bn1 = Rmpf_init_set_str($string, $base);

# Create another Math::GMPf object that holds
# an initial value of zero, but with at least
# 131 bits of precision.
my $bn2 = Rmpf_init2(131);

# Create another Math::GMPf object that holds
# an initial value of zero, with default precision.
my $bn3 = Rmpf_init();

# Or just use the new() function:
my $bn4 = Math::GMPf->new(116.8129);

# Perform some operations ... see 'FUNCTIONS' below.

.
.

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in octal):
print Rmpf_get_str($bn1, 8, 0), "\n";

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in decimal):
print Rmpf_get_str($bn1, 10, 0);

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in base 29)
# using the (alternative) TRmpf_out_str()
# function. (This function doesn't print a newline.)
TRmpf_out_str(*STDOUT, 29, 0, $bn1);

MEMORY MANAGEMENT

Objects created with Rmpf_init* functions have been
blessed into package Math::GMPf. They will
therefore be automatically cleaned up by the
DESTROY() function whenever they go out of scope.

For each Rmpf_init* fnction there is a corresponding
Rmpf_init*_nobless function. If you wish you can
create unblessed objects using these functions.
It will then be up to you to clean up the memory
associated with these objects by calling
Rmpf_clear($op), for each object. Alternatively the objects
will be cleaned up when the script ends. I don't know
why you would want to create unblessed objects. The
point is that you can if you want to.

FUNCTIONS

See the GMP documentation at http://gmplib.org

These next 3 functions are demonstrated above:
$rop   = Rmpf_init_set_str($str, $base); # 1 < abs($base) < 63
$rop   = Rmpf_init2($bits); # $bits > 0
$str = Rmpf_get_str($r, $base, $digits); # 1 < abs($base) < 63
The third argument to Rmpf_get_str() specifies the number
of digits required to be output. Up to $digits digits
will be generated.  Trailing zeros are not returned.  No
more digits than can be accurately represented by OP are
ever generated.  If $digits is 0 then that accurate
maximum number of digits are generated.

The following functions are simply wrappers around a GMP
function of the same name. eg. Rmpf_swap() is a wrapper around
mpf_swap() which is fully documented in the GMP manual at
http://gmplib.org.

"$rop", "$op1", "$op2", etc. are simply Math::GMPf objects
- the return value of one of the Rmpf_init* functions
(or their '_nobless' counterpart).
They are in fact references to GMP structures.
The "$rop" argument(s) contain the result(s) of the calculation
being done, the "$op" argument(s) being the input(s) into that
calculation.
Generally, $rop, $op1, $op2, etc. can be the same perl variable,
though usually they will be distinct perl variables referencing
distinct GMP structures.
Eg. something like Rmpf_add($r1, $r1, $r1),
where $r1 *is* the same reference to the same GMP structure,
would add $r1 to itself and store the result in $r1. Think of it
as $r1 += $r1. Otoh, Rmpf_add($r1, $r2, $r3), where each of the
arguments is a different reference to a different GMP structure
would add $r2 to $r3 and store the result in $r1. Think of it as
$r1 = $r2 + $r3. Mostly, the first argument is the argument that
stores the result and subsequent arguments provide the input values.
Exceptions to this can be found in some of the functions that
actually return a value.
Like I say, see the GMP manual for details. I hope it's
intuitively obvious or quickly becomes so. Also see the test
suite that comes with the distro for some examples of usage.

"$ui" means any integer that will fit into a C 'unsigned long int'.

"$si" means any integer that will fit into a C 'signed long int'.

"$double" means any number (not necessarily integer) that will fit
into a C 'double

"$bool" means a value (usually a 'signed long int') in which
the only interest is whether it's true or false.

"$str" simply means a string of symbols that represent a number,
eg "1234567890987654321234567@7" which might be a base 10 number,
or "zsa34760sdfgq123r5@11" which would have to represent at least
a base 36 number (because "z" is a valid digit only in bases 36
or higher). Valid bases for GMP numbers are 2 to 62 (inclusive).

########################

INITIALIZATION FUNCTIONS

Normally, a variable should be initialized once only or at least be
cleared, using `Rmpf_clear', between initializations.
'DESTROY' (which calls 'Rmpf_clear') is automatically called on
blessed objects whenever they go out of scope.

First read the section 'MEMORY MANAGEMENT' (above).

$bits = Rmpf_get_default_prec();
 Return the current default default precision.

Rmpf_set_default_prec($bits);
 Set the default precision to be *at least* $bits bits.  All
 subsequent calls to `Rmpf_init' will use this precision, but
 previously initialized variables are unaffected.

$rop = Math::GMPf::new();
$rop = Math::GMPf->new();
$rop = new Math::GMPf();
$rop = Rmpf_init();
$rop = Rmpf_init_nobless();
 Initialize $rop to 0. The precision of $rop is undefined
 unless a default precision has already been established by
 a call to `Rmpf_set_default_prec'.

$rop = Rmpf_init2($bits);
$rop = Rmpf_init2_nobless($bits);
  Initialize $rop to 0 and set its precision to be
  *at least* $bits bits.

$bits = Rmpf_get_prec($op);
 Return the current precision of $op, in bits.

Rmpf_set_prec($rop, $bits);
 Set the precision of $rop to be *at least* $bits bits.
 The value in $rop will be truncated to the new precision.
 This function requires internal reallocation of memory,
 and so should not be used in a tight loop.

Rmpf_set_prec_raw($rop, $bits);
 Set the precision of $rop to be *at least* $bits bits, without
 changing the memory allocated. $bits must be no more than the
 allocated precision for $rop, that being the precision when $rop
 was initialized, or in the most recent `Rmpf_set_prec'.
 The value in $rop is unchanged, and in particular if it had a
 higher precision than $bits it will retain that higher precision
 New values written to $rop will use the new value $bits.
 Before calling `Rmpf_clear' (which will happen when a blessed
 Math::GMPf object goes out of scope) or the full `Rmpf_set_prec',
 another `Rmpf_set_prec_raw' call must be made to restore $rop to
 its original allocated precision.  Failing to do so will have
 unpredictable results.
 `Rmpf_get_prec' can be used before `Rmpf_set_prec_raw' to get the
 original allocated precision.  After `Rmpf_set_prec_raw' it
 reflects the $bits value set.
 `Rmpf_set_prec_raw' is an efficient way to use a Math::GMPf
 object at different precisions during a calculation, perhaps to
 gradually increase precision in an iteration, or just to use
 various different precisions for different purposes during a
 calculation.

####################

ASSIGNMENT FUNCTIONS

Rmpf_set($rop, $op);
Rmpf_set_ui($rop, $ui);
Rmpf_set_si($rop, $si);
Rmpf_set_d($rop, $double);
Rmpf_set_NV($rop, $nv); # $nv is $Config{nvtype}
Rmpf_set_IV($rop, $iv); # $iv is $Config{ivtype}
                        # (or $Config{uvtype}).
Rmpf_set_z($rop, $z); # $z is a Math::GMPz object.
Rmpf_set_q($rop, $q); # $q is a Math::GMPq object.
 Set the value of $rop from the 2nd arg.
 With Rmpf_set_IV, $iv must have its IOK flag set, or the
 function will croak. Best to first check IOK_flag($iv), which
 will return a non-zero value if and only if the IOK flag is set.
 With Rmpf_set_NV, $nv must have its NOK flag set, or the
 function will croak. Best to first check NOK_flag($nv), which
 will return a non-zero value if and only if the NOK flag is set.


Rmpf_set_str($rop, $str, $base);
 Set the value of $rop from the string in $str. The string is of
 the form `M@N' or, if the base is 10 or less, alternatively
 `MeN'. `M' is the mantissa and `N' is the exponent. The mantissa
 is always in the specified base. The exponent is either in the
 specified base or, if base is negative, in decimal.
 The argument $base may be in the ranges 2 to 62, or -62 to -2.
 Negative values are used to specify that the exponent is in
 decimal. For bases up to 36, case is ignored; upper-case and
 lower-case letters have the same value; for bases 37 to 62,
 upper-case letter represent the usual 10..35 while lower-case
 letter represent 36..61.
 Unlike the corresponding mpz function, the base will not be
 determined from the leading characters of the string if base is 0.
 This is so that numbers like `0.23' are not interpreted as octal.
 This function croaks if the entire string is not a valid number
 in base $base.

Rmpf_swap($rop1, $rop2);
 Swap $rop1 and $rop2. Both the values and the
 precisions of the two variables are swapped.

######################################

COMBINED INITIALIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT

NOTE: Do NOT use these functions if $rop has already
been initialised. Instead use the Rmpz_set* functions
in 'Assignment Functions' (above)

First read the section 'MEMORY MANAGEMENT' (above).

$rop = Math::GMPf->new($arg);
$rop = Math::GMPf::new($arg);
$rop = new Math::GMPf($arg);
 Returns a Math::GMPf object with the value of $arg, with default
 precision. $arg can be either a number (signed integer, unsigned
 integer, signed fraction or unsigned fraction) or a string that
 represents a numeric value. If $arg is a string, an optional
 additional argument that specifies the base of the number can
 be supplied to new(). If $arg is a string and no additional
 argument is supplied, base 10 is assumed.
 The base may be in the ranges 2..62, -62..-2. Negative
 values are used to specify that the exponent is in decimal.


$rop = Rmpf_init_set($op);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_nobless($op);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_ui($ui);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_ui_nobless($ui);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_si($si);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_si_nobless($si);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_d($double);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_d_nobless($double);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_IV($IV);           # $IV is perl IV
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_IV_nobless($IV);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_NV($NV);           # $NV is perl NV
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_NV_nobless($NV);
 Initialise $rop and assign to it the value held by
 the functions argument. See the 'Rmpf_set*'
 functions above.

$rop = Rmpf_init_set_str($str, $base);
$rop = Rmpf_init_set_str_nobless($str, $base);
 Initialise $rop and assign to it the base $base
 value represented by $str. See the 'Rmpf_set_str'
 documentation above for details.

####################

CONVERSION FUNCTIONS

$double = Rmpf_get_d($op);
$double = Rmpf_get_d_rndn($op)
 Convert $op to a 'double. Rmpf_get_d will truncate if necessary
 (i.e. round towards zero). Rmpf_get_d_rndn will round to
 nearest, ties to even.

$NV = Rmpf_get_NV($op);      # $NV is $Config{nvtype}
$NV = Rmpf_get_NV_rndn($op); # $NV is $Config{nvtype}
 Convert $op to an NV. Rmpf_get_NV will truncate if necessary
 (i.e. round towards zero). Rmpf_get_NV_rndn will round to
 nearest, ties to even.
 YMMV if nvtype is the IBM DoubleDouble.

$si = Rmpf_get_si($op);
$ui = Rmpf_get_ui($op);
 Convert $op to a `signed long' or `unsigned long',
 truncating any fraction part.  If $op is too big for
 the return type, the result is undefined.

$IV = Rmpf_get_IV($op);
 If $op (truncated to an integer value) fits into either an
 IV or a UV return that IV/UV value of (truncated) $op.
 Otherwise die with an appropriate error message. To find
 find out if the truncated value of $op will fit, use the
 'Rmpf_fits_IV_p' function.

($double, $exp) = Rmpf_get_d_2exp($op);
 Find $double and $exp such that $double * (2 ** $exp),
 with 0.5<=abs($double)<1, is a good approximation to $op.
 This is similar to the standard C function `frexp'.

$str = Rmpf_get_str($op, $base, $digits);
 Convert $op to a string of digits in base $base. $base can
 be 2 to 62.  Up to $digits digits will be generated.
 Trailing zeros are not returned.  No more digits than can be
 accurately represented by $op are ever generated.  If $digits
 is 0 then that accurate maximum number of digits are generated.

($man, $exp) = Rmpf_deref2($op, $base, $digits);
 Returns the mantissa to $man (as a string of digits, prefixed with
 a minus sign if $op is negative), and returns the exponent to $exp.
 There's an implicit decimal point to the left of the first digit in
 $man. The third argument to Rmpf_deref2() specifies the number of
 digits required to be output in the mantissa. No more digits than
 can be accurately represented by $op are ever generated. If $digits
 is 0 then that accurate maximum number of digits are generated

####################

ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS

Rmpf_add($rop, $op1, $op2);
Rmpf_add_ui($rop, $op, $ui);
 $rop = 2nd arg + 3rd arg.

Rmpf_sub($rop, $op1, $op2);
Rmpf_sub_ui($rop, $op, $ui);
Rmpf_ui_sub($rop, $ui, $op);
 $rop = 2nd arg - 3rd arg.

Rmpf_mul($rop, $op1, $op2);
Rmpf_mul_ui($rop, $op, $ui);
 $rop = 2nd arg * 3rd arg.

Rmpf_div($rop, $op1, $op2);
Rmpf_ui_div($rop, $ui, $op);
Rmpf_div_ui($rop, $op, $ui);
 $rop = 2nd arg / 3rd arg.

Rmpf_sqrt($rop, $op);
Rmpf_sqrt_ui($rop, $ui);
 $rop = 2nd arg ** 0.5.

Rmpf_pow_ui($rop, $op, $ui);
 $ROP = $OP ** $ui.

Rmpf_neg($rop, $op);
 $rop = -$op.

Rmpf_abs($rop, $op);
 $rop = abs($op).

Rmpf_mul_2exp($rop, $op, $ui);
 $rop = $op * (2 ** $ui).

Rmpf_div_2exp($rop, $op, $ui);
 $rop = $op / (2 ** $ui).

####################

COMPARISON FUNCTIONS

$si = Rmpf_cmp   ($op1, $op2);
$si = Rmpf_cmp_ui($op,  $ui);
$si = Rmpf_cmp_si($op,  $si);
$si = Rmpf_cmp_d ($op,  $double);
$si = Rmpf_cmp_NV($op,  $nv);    # $nv is $Config{nvtype}
$si = Rmpf_cmp_IV($op,  $iv);    # $nv is $Config{ivtype}
 Compare 1st arg and 2nd arg.  Return a positive value if
 1st arg >  2nd arg, zero if 1st arg = 2nd arg, and a
 negative value if 1st arg < 2nd arg.

 NOTE:
      Rmpf_cmp_IV() requires that the 2nd argument has its IOK
      flag set, and Rmpf_cmp_NV() requires that the 2nd
      argument has its NOK flag set.
      Otherwise these functions croak.
      Suggestion: first check the status of the flag using
      IOK_flag($iv) or NOK_flag($nv),which return a non-zero
      value if and only if the flag in question is set.

Rmpf_eq($op1, $op2, $bits);
 Return non-zero if the first $bits bits of $op1 and $op2
 are equal, zero otherwise.  I.e., test if $op1 and $op2
 are approximately equal.
 Caution: Currently only whole limbs are compared, and only in an
 exact fashion.

Rmpf_reldiff($rop, $op1, $op2);
 $rop = abs($op1 - $op2) / $op1.

$si = Rmpf_sgn($op);
 Returns either +1 or -1 (or 0 if $op is zero).

##########################

INPUT AND OUTPUT FUNCTIONS

$bytes_read = Rmpf_inp_str($rop, $base);
 BEST TO USE TRmpf_inp_str INSTEAD.
 Read a string in base $base from STDIN, and put the read
 float in $rop. The string is of the form `M@N' or, if
 $base is 10 or less, alternatively `MeN'.  `M' is the
 mantissa and `N' is the exponent.  The mantissa is always
 in the specified base. The exponent is either in the
 specified base or, if $base is negative,in decimal. The
 decimal point expected is taken from the current locale,
 on systems providing `localeconv'. The argument $base may
 be in the ranges 2 to 36, or -36 to -2. Negative values
 are used to specify that the exponent is in decimal.
 Unlike the corresponding `Math::GMPz' function, the
 base will not be determined from the leading characters
 of the string if $base is 0. This is so that numbers
 like `0.23' are not interpreted as octal.

$bytes_read = TRmpf_inp_str($rop, $stream, $base);
 As for Rmpf_inp_str, except that there's the capability to read
 from somewhere other than STDIN.
 To read from STDIN:
    TRmpf_inp_str($rop, *stdin, $base);
 To read from an open filehandle (let's call it $fh):
    TRmpf_inp_str($rop, \*$fh, $base);

$bytes_written = Rmpf_out_str([$prefix,] $op, $base, $digits  [, $suffix]);
 BEST TO USE TRmpf_out_str INSTEAD.
 Print $op to stdout, as a string of digits. Return the number of
 bytes written, or if an error occurred, return 0. The mantissa is
 prefixed with an `0.' and is in the given base, which may vary
 from 2 to 62 or from -2 to -36. An exponent is then printed,
 separated by an `e', or if the base is greater than 10 then by an
 `@'. The exponent is always in decimal. The decimal point follows
 the current locale, on systems providing localeconv. For bases in
 the range 2..36, digits and lower-case letters are used; for
 -2..-36, digits and upper-case letters are used; for 37..62, digits,
 upper-case letters, and lower-case letters (in that significance
 order) are used. Up to $digits will be printed from the mantissa,
 except that no more digits than are accurately representable by $op
 will be printed. $digits can be 0 to select that accurate maximum.
 The optional last argument ($suffix) is a string (eg "\n") that
 will be appended to the output. The optional first argument
 ($prefix) is a string that will be prepended to the output. Note
 that either none, one, or both, of $prefix and $suffix may be
 supplied. ($bytes_written does not include the number of bytes in
 $suffix and $prefix.)

$bytes_written = TRmpf_out_str([$prefix,] $stream, $base, $digits, $op, [, $suffix]);
 As for Rmpf_out_str, except that there's the capability to print
 to somewhere other than STDOUT. Note that the order of the args
 is different (to match the order of the mpf_out_str args).
 To print to STDERR:
    TRmpf_out_str(*stderr, $base, $digits, $op);
 To print to an open filehandle (let's call it $fh):
    TRmpf_out_str(\*$fh, $base, $digits, $op);

#######################

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS

Rmpf_ceil($rop, $op);
Rmpf_floor($rop, $op);
Rmpf_trunc($rop, $op);
 Set $rop to $op rounded to an integer.  `Rmpf_ceil' rounds to the
 next higher integer, `mpf_floor' to the next lower, and
 `Rmpf_trunc' to the integer towards zero.

$bool = Rmpf_integer_p($op);
 Return non-zero if $op is an integer.

$bool = Rmpf_fits_ulong_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_slong_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_uint_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_sint_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_ushort_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_sshort_p($op);
$bool = Rmpf_fits_IV_p($op);    # fits into a perl IV
 Return non-zero if OP would fit in the respective type, when
 truncated to an integer.

$si = IOK_flag($sv); # $sv is a perl scalar variable.
$si = NOK_flag($sv);
$si = POK_flag($sv);

Return 0 if $sv's IOK/NOK/POK flag is unset.
Else return 1.
If the IsUV flag is set, then IOK_flag() returns 2, thereby indicating
that both the IOK and IsUV flags are set (and that the integer value
held by $sv should therefore be treated as unsigned).

$iv = Math::GMPf::nok_pokflag(); # not exported
 Returns the value of the nok_pok flag. This flag is
 initialized to zero, but incemented by 1 whenever a
 scalar that is both a float (NOK) and string (POK) is passed
 to new() or to an overloaded operator. The value of the flag
 therefore tells us how many times such events occurred . The
 flag can be reset to 0 by running clear_nok_pok().

Math::GMPf::set_nok_pok($iv); # not exported
 Resets the nok_pok flag to the value specified by $iv.

Math::GMPf::clear_nok_pok(); # not exported
 Resets the nok_pok flag to 0.(Essentially the same
 as running set_nok_pok(0).)

#######################

RANDOM NUMBER FUNCTIONS

In the random number functions, @r is an array of
Math::GMPf objects (one for each random number that is
required). $how_many is the number of random numbers you
want and must be equal to scalar(@r). $bits is simply the
number of random bits required. Before calling the random
number functions, $state must be initialised and seeded.

$state = Math::GMPz::rand_init($op); # $op is the seed.
 Without Math::GMPz, you can't use this function. (There are
 better alternatives listed immediately below, anyway.)
 Initialises and seeds $state, ready for use with the random
 number functions. However, $state has not been blessed into
 any package, and therefore does not get cleaned up when it
 goes out of scope. To avoid memory leaks you therefore need
 to call 'Math::GMPz::rand_clear($state);' once you have
 finished with it and before it goes out of scope. Also, it
 uses the default algorithm. Consider using the following
 initialisation and seeding routines - they provide a choice of
 algorithm, and there's no need to call rand_clear() when
 you've finished with them.

$state = fgmp_randinit_default();
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
'gmp_randinit_default'.
 $state is blessed into package Math::GMPf::Random and will be
 automatically cleaned up when it goes out of scope.
 Initialize $state with a default algorithm. This will be a
 compromise between speed and randomness, and is recommended for
 applications with no special requirements. Currently this is
 the gmp_randinit_mt function (Mersenne Twister algorithm).

$state = fgmp_randinit_mt();
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
'gmp_randinit_mt'.
 Currently identical to fgmp_randinit_default().

$state = fgmp_randinit_lc_2exp($mpz, $ui, $m2exp);
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
 'gmp_randinit_lc_2exp'. $mpz is a Math::GMP or Math::GMPz object,
 so one of those modules is required in order to make use of this
 function.
 $state is blessed into package Math::GMPf::Random and will be
 automatically cleaned up when it goes out of scope.
 Initialize $state with a linear congruential algorithm
 X = ($mpz*X + $ui) mod (2 ** $m2exp). The low bits of X in this
 algorithm are not very random. The least significant bit will have a
 period no more than 2, and the second bit no more than 4, etc. For
 this reason only the high half of each X is actually used.
 When a random number of more than m2exp/2 bits is to be generated,
 multiple iterations of the recurrence are used and the results
 concatenated.

$state = fgmp_randinit_lc_2exp_size($ui);
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
'gmp_randinit_lc_2exp_size'.
 $state is blessed into package Math::GMPf::Random and will be
 automatically cleaned up when it goes out of scope.
 Initialize state for a linear congruential algorithm as per
 gmp_randinit_lc_2exp. a, c and m2exp are selected from a table,
 chosen so that $ui bits (or more) of each X will be used,
 ie. m2exp/2 >= $ui.
 If $ui is bigger than the table data provides then the function fails
 and dies with an appropriate error message. The maximum value for $ui
 currently supported is 128.

$state2 = fgmp_randinit_set($state1);
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
'gmp_randinit_set'.
 $state2 is blessed into package Math::GMPf::Random and will be
 automatically cleaned up when it goes out of scope.
 Initialize $state2 with a copy of the algorithm and state from
 $state1.

$state = fgmp_randinit_default_nobless();
$state = fgmp_randinit_mt_nobless();
$state = fgmp_randinit_lc_2exp_nobless($mpz, $ui, $m2exp);
$state2 = fgmp_randinit_set_nobless($state1);
 As for the above comparable function, but $state is not blessed into
 any package. (Generally not useful - but they're available if you
 want them.)

fgmp_randseed($state, $mpz); # $mpz is a Math::GMPz or Math::GMP object
fgmp_randseed_ui($state, $ui);
 These are the Math::GMPz interfaces to the gmp library functions
 'gmp_randseed' and 'gmp_randseed_ui'.
 Seed an initialised (but not yet seeded) $state with $mpz/$ui.
 Either Math::GMP or Math::GMPz is required for 'gmp_randseed'.

Rmpf_urandomb(@r, $state, $bits, $how_many);
  Generate uniformly distributed random floats, all
  between 0 and 1, with $bits significant bits in the mantissa.

Rmpf_random2(@r, $limbs, $exp, $how_many);
 Generate random floats of at most $limbs limbs, with long
 strings of zeros and ones in the binary representation.
 The exponent of the number is in the interval -$exp to $exp.
 This function is useful for testing functions and algorithms,
 since this kind of random numbers have proven to be more
 likely to trigger corner-case bugs.  Negative random
 numbers are generated when $limbs is negative.

$ui = fgmp_urandomb_ui($state, $bits);
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
 'gmp_urandomb_ui'.
 Return a uniformly distributed random number of $bits bits, ie. in
 the range 0 to 2 ** ($bits - 1) inclusive. $bits must be less than or
 equal to the number of bits in an unsigned long.

$ui2 = fgmp_urandomm_ui($state, $ui1);
 This is the Math::GMPf interface to the gmp library function
 'gmp_urandomm_ui'.
 Return a uniformly distributed random number in the range 0 to
 $ui1 - 1, inclusive.

fgmp_randclear($state);
Math::GMPz::rand_clear($state);
 Destroys $state, as also does Math::GMPf::Random::DESTROY - three
 identical functions.
 Use only if $state is an unblessed object - ie if it was initialised
 using Math::GMPz::rand_init() or one of the fgmp_randinit*_nobless
 functions.

 ####################

 OPERATOR OVERLOADING

 Overloading works with numbers, strings (base 10 only),
 Math::GMPf objects and, to a limited extent, Math::MPFR
 objects (iff version 3.13 or later of Math::MPFR has been
 installed). Strings are coerced into Math::GMPf objects
 (with default precision).

 The following operators are overloaded:
  + - * / ** sqrt (Return values have default precision)
  += -= *= /= **= ++ --(Precision remains unchanged)
  < <= > >= == != <=>
  !
  abs (Return value has default precision)
  int (on perl 5.8 only, NA on perl 5.6.
       Return value has default precision.)
  ""
  = (The copy that gets modified will have default precision.
    The other copy retains the precision of the original)

 NOTE: Making use of the '=' overloading is not recommended unless
       you understand its caveats. See 'perldoc overload' and
       read it thoroughly, including the documentation regarding
       'copy constructors'.

 Atempting to use the overloaded operators with objects that
 have been blessed into some package other than 'Math::GMPf'
 or 'Math::MPFR' (limited applications) will not work.
 Math::MPFR objects can be used only with '+', '-', '*', '/'
 and '**' operators, and will work only if Math::MPFR is at
 version 3.13 or later - in which case the operation will
 return a Math::MPFR object.

 In those situations where the overload subroutine operates on 2
 perl variables, then obviously one of those perl variables is
 a Math::GMPf object. To determine the value of the other variable
 the subroutine works through the following steps (in order),
 using the first value it finds, or croaking if it gets
 to step 6:

 1. If the variable is a UV then that value is used. The variable
    is considered to be a UV if the IOK and IsUV flags are set.

 2. If the variable is an IV, then that value is used.
    The variable is considered to be an IV if the IOK flag is set.

 3. If the variable is a string (ie the POK flag is set) then the
    base 10 value of that string is used. If the POK flag is set,
    but the string is not a valid base 10 number, the subroutine
    croaks with an appropriate error message.

 4. If the variable is an NV, then that value is used. The
    variable is considered to be a double if the NOK flag is set.

 5. If the variable is a Math::GMPf object (or, for operators
    specified above, a Math::MPFR object) then the value of that
    object is used.

 6. If none of the above is true, then the second variable is
    deemed to be of an invalid type. The subroutine croaks with
    an appropriate error message.

#####

OTHER

$GMP_version = Math::GMPf::gmp_v;
 Returns the version of the GMP library (eg 4.1.3) being used by
 Math::GMPf. The function is not exportable.

$GMP_cc = Math::GMPf::__GMP_CC;
$GMP_cflags = Math::GMPf::__GMP_CFLAGS;
 If Math::GMPf has been built against gmp-4.2.3 or later,
 returns respectively the CC and CFLAGS settings that were used
 to compile the gmp library against which Math::GMPf was built.
 (Values are as specified in the gmp.h that was used to build
 Math::GMPf.)
 Returns undef if Math::GMPf has been built against an earlier
 version of the gmp library.
 (These functions are in @EXPORT_OK and are therefore exportable
 by request. They are not listed under the ":mpf" tag.)

$major = Math::GMPf::__GNU_MP_VERSION;
$minor = Math::GMPf::__GNU_MP_VERSION_MINOR;
$patchlevel = Math::GMPf::__GNU_MP_VERSION_PATCHLEVEL;
 Returns respectively the major, minor, and patchlevel numbers
 for the GMP library version used to build Math::GMPf. Values are
 as specified in the gmp.h that was used to build Math::GMPf.
 (These functions are in @EXPORT_OK and are therefore exportable
 by request. They are not listed under the ":mpf" tag.)

################

FORMATTED OUTPUT

NOTE: The format specification can be found at:
http://gmplib.org/manual/Formatted-Output-Strings.html#Formatted-Output-Strings
However, the use of '*' to take an extra variable for width and
precision is not allowed in this implementation. Instead, it is
necessary to interpolate the variable into the format string - ie,
instead of:
  Rmpf_printf("%*Zd\n", $width, $mpz);
we need:
  Rmpf_printf("%${width}Zd\n", $mpz);

$si = Rmpf_printf($format_string, $var);

 This function changed with the release of Math-GMPz-0.27.
 Now (unlike the GMP counterpart), it is limited to taking 2
 arguments - the format string, and the variable to be formatted.
 That is, you can format only one variable at a time.
 If there is no variable to be formatted, then the final arg
 can be omitted - a suitable dummy arg will be passed to the XS
 code for you. ie the following will work:
  Rmpf_printf("hello world\n");
 Returns the number of characters written, or -1 if an error
 occurred.

$si = Rmpf_fprintf($fh, $format_string, $var);

 This function (unlike the GMP counterpart) is limited to taking
 3 arguments - the filehandle, the format string, and the variable
 to be formatted. That is, you can format only one variable at a time.
 If there is no variable to be formatted, then the final arg
 can be omitted - a suitable dummy arg will be passed to the XS
 code for you. ie the following will work:
  Rmpf_fprintf($fh, "hello world\n");
 Other than that, the rules outlined above wrt Rmpf_printf apply.
 Returns the number of characters written, or -1 if an error
 occurred.

$si = Rmpf_sprintf($buffer, $format_string, $var, $buflen);

 This function (unlike the GMP counterpart) is limited to taking
 4 arguments - the buffer, the format string,  the variable to be
 formatted and the size of the buffer. If there is no variable to
 be formatted, then the third arg can be omitted - a suitable
 dummy arg will be passed to the XS code for you. ie the following
 will work:
  Rmpf_sprintf($buffer, "hello world", 12);
 $buffer must be large enough to accommodate the formatted string.
 The formatted string is placed in $buffer.
 Returns the number of characters written, or -1 if an error
 occurred.

$si = Rmpf_snprintf($buffer, $bytes, $format_string, $var, $buflen);

 Form a null-terminated string in $buffer. No more than $bytes
 bytes will be written. To get the full output, $bytes must be
 enough for the string and null-terminator. $buffer must be large
 enough to accommodate the string and null-terminator, and is
 truncated to the length of that string (and null-terminator).
 The return value is the total number of characters which ought
 to have been produced, excluding the terminating null.
 If $si >= $bytes then the actual output has been truncated to
 the first $bytes-1 characters, and a null appended.
 This function (unlike the GMP counterpart) is limited to taking
 5 arguments - the buffer, the maximum number of bytes to be
 returned, the format string, the variable to be formatted and
 the size of the buffer.
 If there is no variable to be formatted, then the 4th arg can
 be omitted - a suitable dummy arg will be passed to the XS code
 for you. ie the following will work:
  Rmpf_snprintf($buffer, 6, "hello world", 12);

###############################
###############################

BUGS

You can get segfaults if you pass the wrong type of
argument to the functions - so if you get a segfault, the
first thing to do is to check that the argument types
you have supplied are appropriate.

LICENSE

This program is free software; you may redistribute it and/or
modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.
Copyright 2006-2023 Sisyphus

AUTHOR

Sisyphus <sisyphus at(@) cpan dot (.) org>