support typographic length units

[dicktyr]

there are various standards but it seems reasonable
to at least include those used by PostScript/TeX/CSS

point = 1/72"
pica = 12 points
Q = 1/4 mm

[sharkdp]

Thank you for your request. Sounds like a good idea!

We can rather easily add a new units::typography module (in numbat/modules/units) and add as many units as we want/need.

It would help to have some exemplary calculations / use cases for these units (similar to the programs in https://numbat.dev/docs/examples/). Is there anything specific that you have in mind?

[dicktyr]

I'll certainly contribute an example if one comes to mind beyond basic length conversion

[sharkdp]

It would already be helpful to understand what kind of conversions people want to perform.

[dicktyr]

I don't recall the specific problem which prompted me to try numbat
and then create this issue (something to do with css)

in any case
conversion of points to inches or mm would be a common use case

[sharkdp]

I think this should probably be done by someone who understands more how these units work than I do.

one interesting aspect could be to add a new dimension RelativeLength for units like em or rem.

[dicktyr]

lets not confuse CSS with typography

CSS is still a hot mess and its record shows
an alarming ignorance of typography

I can and will eventually prepare a module for numbat
but I don't want that to dissuade anyone else from stepping in
as I'm spread thin these days and I don't know when I'll get to it