Format Specifier - Hash/Number Sign "#" effect

[LLindenbauer]

Dear community!

I am trying to construct a format specifier string and wanted to understand the Format Specifier Syntax (as described here in the LabVIEW manual). However, I have become confused by the description for the effect of the Hash sign (#), which is given as:

When you use a formatting function, this modifier removes trailing zeros. If the number has no fractional part, this modifier also removes the description part.

What does "removes the description part" mean in this context?

There is no other mention of "description" in the document, except in the table header. My native language is german, but reading the german manual also did not help in understanding the function. The german manual sates that (my back-translation) "When you use a formatting function, this modifier removes trailing zeroes from the figured following the decimal point. If the number has no figures to the right of the decimal point, the figures before* the decimal point will be removed". (* meaning: to the left of ...)

I did some tests and the actual function of the "#" formar symbol seems to be to remove trailing zeroes up to the decimal point and, if no figures remain, remove the decimal point (or other relevant decimal specifier) as well, but I want to make sure I am not breaking anything. Either way, it seems to me that the german translation is a bit off target.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

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@LLindenbauer wrote:

When you use a formatting function, this modifier removes trailing zeros. If the number has no fractional part, this modifier also removes the description part.

What does "removes the description part" mean in this context?

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I think that is a bug in the documentation.  It should be "removes the decimal point."

EDIT: It has been there since at least LabVIEW 8.2.

[GerdW]

Hi LL,

I guess this "description part" is the decimal point (or comma in Germany): when there is no fractional part then you don't need to display the decimal separator char…

You should post over at LabVIEW Idea or try to create a bug report with NI to improve the LabVIEW help documents.

(I hope they will listen, but on the other hand there isn't any LabVIEW2019 online help anymore because of "too much similarity to older LabVIEW online help"…)