#set TITLE = "times"
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.SH DESCRIPTION
Ploticus can plot time values directly.
Time arithmetic may also be done using functions.
This page describes the supported time formats
(see KEY below for explanation of codes).

.SH SUPPORTED FORMATS
.IP \(bu
\fChh:mm\fR (example  11:25)
.IP \(bu
\fChh:mm:ss\fR (example  11:25:02)
.IP \(bu
\fCmm:ss\fR (example  25:02) 


.SH DEFAULT FORMAT
The default format is \fChh:mm\fR.


.SH USING VARIOUS TIME NOTATIONS
To work with data having other time notations, use the
\fIformat\fR portion of the
\fCxscaletype\fR or \fCyscaletype\fR attributes of
\fBproc areadef\fR or \fBproc defineunits\fR.
.br
For example:
.nf
.ft C
\0#proc areadef
  xscaletype: time mm:ss
.ft R
.fi


.SH DISPLAY FORMATS
In addition to the time arithmetic notations shown above,
the following formats may be used to display time values:
.IP \(bu
\fChh:mma\fR (example: 11:25am)
.IP \(bu
\fChhA\fR (example: 11AM)
.IP \(bu
Others:
\fChh:mm:ssa    m:ss    hh     mm    m    ss    s\fR


.SH BASIC UNIT
The basic time unit is a \fBminute\fR, regardless of
which notation is in use.  Axis stubs and tics may be
expressed in \fChours\fR or \fCseconds\fR if desired.


.SH KEY TO CODE ABBREVIATIONS
.LP
\fChh\fR = hour, 00 to 23 (00 to 11 for am/pm notation)
.br
\fCh\fR = hour, 0 to 23, (0 to 11 for am/pm notation)
.br
\fCmm\fR = minute 00 to 59
.br
\fCm\fR = minute 0 to 59
.br
\fCss\fR = second 00 to 59
.br
\fCs\fR = second 0 to 59
.br
\fCa\fRi = am/pm notation (use \fCA\fR capitals e.g. AM or PM)

.SH NOTES
There are a number of 
.ig >>
<a href="functions.html">
.>>
functions
.ig >>
</a>
.>>
for manipulating times 
that may be used in ploticus scripts.

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