The hex2dec() Function within Scilab

Within the Scilab environment, the hex2dec() function stands as the primary tool for converting hexadecimal values to their decimal counterparts.

hex2dec(x)

In this context, "x" denotes a string that signifies a hexadecimal number (base 16).

This function yields the corresponding decimal value.

ut what if "x" encompasses an array of strings, each representing a distinct hexadecimal value? Fear not. hex2dec() efficiently processes each one, delivering a collection of decimal numbers.

Let's delve into a practical demonstration.

Input hex2dec("A") into Scilab's command line.

hex2dec("A")

The hexadecimal representation, A, is converted to the decimal number 10.

ans=
10

Suppose you're working with an array of strings, each symbolizing a hexadecimal number?

hex2dec(['A','B'])

In such scenarios, every individual string undergoes conversion to yield its corresponding decimal number.

For clarity, "A" translates to the integer 10, while "B" equates to 11.

ans=
10. 11.

One of the notable features of hex2dec() is its ability to produce a purely numeric output.

This allows users to seamlessly utilize the returned values in subsequent calculations, eliminating the need for additional conversions.

hex2dec(['A']) + hex2dec(['B'])

Executing this command transforms the strings 'A' and 'B' from their hexadecimal form to decimal integers.

Summing them — 10 and 11— results in 21 in decimal format.

ans=
21

It's essential to note that mathematical operations consistently yield decimal results.

Should you desire an output in hexadecimal, Scilab's dec2hex() function is at your disposal, adeptly converting integers back to hexadecimal.

dec2hex(hex2dec(['A']) + hex2dec(['B']))

By employing this function, the outcome is rendered as "15" in hexadecimal notation, corresponding to the decimal value 21.

ans=
"15"

However, exercise caution: the result, in this case, is presented as a string, not a numeric entity.

Before integrating it into further calculations, a conversion is imperative.