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Last update: 20 April,2001

								1003.2-92  #47

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	Interpretation Number:	XXXX
	Topic:			od
	Relevant Sections:	4.45.7
	Classification:	defect


Interpretation Request: (Defect Report)
-----------------------

	  In Section 4.45.7, the last sentence of the first paragraph
	  states 

	     "If no output type is specified, the default output
	     format shall be as if "-t o2" had been specified."
	  
	  which indicates that 2 bytes are to be transformed by each
	  instance of the (octal) output type.

	  This contradicts historical practice, in which the od command
	  by default does an octal conversion on items of type 'short',
	  reagardless of byte or word size.

	  Is my reading of the standard correct? If so I believe the
	  standard to be in error on these points.

	  If you require clarification of this request, or more
	  information, please do not hesitate to contact me at +1 (512)
	  838-3926. If you prefer email, you may reach me at
	  mbrown@austin.ibm.com.


IEEE Interpretation for 1003.2-1992 
-----------------------------------

The standard states the required behavior and
conforming implementations shall conform to this.

The effect of this is that a system that does not support 2 byte
interval quantities could produce a diagnostic message.  So,
concerns about the wording of this part of the standard have
been forwarded to the sponsor.

        
Rationale for Interpretation:
-----------------------------
None
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