NAME

atof − convert ASCII to floating

SYNOPSIS

double atof(nptr)
char *nptr;

DESCRIPTION

Atof converts a string to a floating number.  Nptr should point to a string containing the number; the first unrecognized character ends the number.  The only numbers recognized are:  an optional minus sign followed by a string of digits optionally containing one decimal point, then followed optionally by the letter e followed by a signed integer. 

DIAGNOSTICS

There are none; overflow results in a very large number and garbage characters terminate the scan. 

BUGS

The routine should accept initial +, initial blanks, and E for e.  Overflow should be signalled.