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Interpretation Number: 017
Topic: locale -k (Rdvk finaltext/XCU ERN 1)
Relevant Sections: XCU locale STDOUT
7 Defect Report concerning (number and title of International Standard
or DIS final text, if applicable): The Shell and Utilities Volume of IEEE Std 1003.1-2001
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8 Qualifier (e.g. error, omission, clarification required):
1. Error
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9 References in document (e.g. page, clause, figure, and/or table numbers):
Edition of Specification (Year): 2003 XCU P 555 line 21389 2003 Ed (XCU P 552 line 21180 2001 Ed)
Reference XCU finaltext ERN 1
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10 Nature of defect (complete, concise explanation of the perceived problem):
Defect code : 3. Clarification required
PASC interpretation #146 for P1003.2-1992 identified an ambiguity in the description of the locale utility. No change was made in XCU6 related to this, so I assume the intention was to continue to allow either of the possible behaviours. It would be better if this is stated explicitly.
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11 Solution proposed by the submitter (optional):
After
"Compound keyword values (list entries) shall be separated in the output by semicolons."
insert
"For non-numeric values it is unspecified whether the output contains quoted strings separated by semicolons, or semicolon-separated values within one quoted string."
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Interpretation response ------------------------ The standard states that the current requirements and conforming implementations must conform to this. However, concerns have been raised about this which are being referred to the sponsor
Rationale: -------------
We disagreed with the conclusion given in PASC interpretation 1003.2-1992 #146, and believe that the standard is clear . However since existing practise is divided we would recommend that the following notes to the editor be considered for a future revision
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