BC is actually super useful when in the shell (less fuss than firing up python shell or similar). I use(d) it a lot, though didn't dig deep into what it can do, beyond setting `scale=2` (set output to two decimal places) when dealing with currencies etc.

If I'm elsewhere in GUI tho, Meta+C (shortcut I have for the calculator app) is faster than firing off terminal, starting bc, then closing it up after oneline calculation.

.. at least, it should be faster ;-)

Maybe you can change Meta+C to start the terminal with bc already running? ;-)

Disclaimer: bc implementer. I'm biased. I use bc for all of my calculation. And Mac doesn't have my bc.

Celebrity alert! Also, your blog is fascinating.

Thank you very much! It's so nice to hear people enjoy it. :)