Scilab's int32() Function

Within the Scilab environment, the int32() function serves a specific purpose: it converts numbers into 32-bit integers.

int32(x)

In this context, 'x' can be an individual number or an array of numbers.

Scilab outputs these numbers in a 32-bit integer format.

But what is a 32-bit integer? It's the number of bits used to denote an integer. Each bit can adopt one of two values: zero or one. This means a 32-bit integer can represent a total of 2³² distinct numbers. Notably, the leftmost bit, known as the most significant bit, determines the sign of the number. As a result, the range of numbers a 32-bit integer can represent spans from -2³¹ to 2³¹, or -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.

Utilizing the function is quite intuitive.

For instance, assign a floating-point value to a variable named 'num'

num = 10.8

Now, transform this number into a 32-bit integer using int32()

int32(num)

This action truncates the decimal portion, yielding a 32-bit integer value.

ans=
10

But what if the number you wish to convert falls outside the acceptable range?

When converting numbers beyond this range with int32(), Scilab employs the principles of modular arithmetic.

For example, surpassing the upper limit (2³¹) causes the value to wrap to the lower limit (-2³¹).

int32(2^31+1)

ans=
-2147483648

Conversely, if a number is beneath the lower limit (-2³¹), the function defaults to this minimum value.

int32(-2^31-10)

-2147483648

It's worth noting that int32() isn't limited to single numbers—it can process arrays as well.

Consider an array of decimal values.

A = [23.45, 67.89, 123.456];

Then, convert the array using the int32() function.

int32(A)

The function returns an array of 32-bit integers.

ans=
23 67 123

Why the emphasis on 32-bit integers?

The int32() function is invaluable when interfacing with applications that operate using the 32-bit integer format. Furthermore, 32-bit integers are memory-efficient, especially when compared to floating-point numbers or 64-bit integers. Opting for int32 conversion can be a strategic move to optimize memory resources.