soulver-sum-lengths

Sum lengths in mixed units using either Soulver CLI or pure Python.

Overview

Two implementations:

• sum-lengths.py - Pure Python, no dependencies (recommended)
• soulver-sum-lengths.py - Uses Soulver CLI (requires Soulver installation)

Both convert and sum measurements, outputting:

• Decimal inches (2 decimal places)
• Fractional inches (nearest 1/16″)
• Total in millimeters

Features

• ✅ Accepts fractions: 3 1/2", 1/8"
• ✅ Accepts feet-inch combos: 5' 3 1/2" → 5 feet + 3.5 inches
• ✅ Accepts mixed units: mm, cm, inches, feet, meters
• ✅ Works interactively or from command-line args
• ✅ Shows the expression for validation
• ✅ Copies result to clipboard automatically (macOS with pbcopy)

Installation

Pure Python Version (Recommended)

No installation needed - uses Python 3.6+ standard library:

git clone https://github.com/sxdjt/soulver-sum-lengths.git
cd soulver-sum-lengths
chmod +x sum-lengths.py

Soulver Version (Optional)

Requires Soulver CLI:

brew install soulver-cli

Usage

Command-line Arguments

Single expression:

python3 sum-lengths.py '2 1/2" + 5.535" + 9mm'

Output:

Expression:
  sum (2 1/2 inches + 5.535 inches + 9 millimeters)

Result:
  8.39"
  8 3/8"
  213 mm

Separate arguments:

python3 sum-lengths.py 2.5 5.535 9mm

With units:

python3 sum-lengths.py 1ft 6in 25.4mm

Interactive Mode

python3 sum-lengths.py

Enter lengths (e.g., 2 1/2", 5.535", 9mm). Empty line to finish.
> 2 1/2
> 5.535
> 9mm
> 

Expression:
  sum (2 1/2 inches + 5.535 inches + 9 millimeters)

Result:
  8.39"
  8 3/8"
  213 mm

Make Executable (Optional)

chmod +x sum-lengths.py
./sum-lengths.py 2.5 5.535 9mm

Supported Units

Unit Type	Accepted Formats
Inches	inch, inches, in, ", ″
Feet	foot, feet, ft, ', ′
Millimeters	millimeter, millimeters, mm
Centimeters	centimeter, centimeters, cm
Meters	meter, meters, m

Note: Bare numbers default to inches.

Examples

# Mixed fractions
python3 sum-lengths.py '2 1/2" + 3 3/4"'
# Output: 6.25", 6 1/4", 159 mm

# Feet and inches
python3 sum-lengths.py "5' 3\"" 2.5
# Output: 65.50", 65 1/2", 1664 mm

# Metric and imperial
python3 sum-lengths.py 100mm 4in 5cm
# Output: 9.91", 9 7/8", 252 mm

# Decimal inputs
python3 sum-lengths.py 2.5 3.75 1.125
# Output: 7.38", 7 3/8", 187 mm

Error Handling

The script validates inputs and provides helpful error messages:

python3 sum-lengths.py "5 furlongs"
# Error: Unsupported unit: furlongs

python3 sum-lengths.py "1/0"
# Error: Division by zero in fraction

Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• macOS (for clipboard copy via pbcopy)

No external dependencies required for sum-lengths.py.

Development

Running Tests

python3 test_sum_lengths.py

Or with pytest:

pip install pytest
pytest test_sum_lengths.py -v

Code Style

• PEP 8 compliant
• Type hints for public functions
• Docstrings for all modules and functions

Why Two Versions?

• sum-lengths.py: Standalone, no dependencies, better error handling
• soulver-sum-lengths.py: Explores Soulver CLI capabilities, requires Soulver

The pure Python version is recommended for most users.

Troubleshooting

"No inputs provided"

• Ensure you're passing arguments or using interactive mode

"Cannot parse number"

• Check fraction format: use 1/2 not 1\2
• Ensure proper spacing: 2 1/2 not 21/2

Clipboard not working

• Only works on macOS with pbcopy
• Results still display in terminal

License

MIT License - do whatever you like, attribution appreciated.

Contributing

Pull requests welcome! Please:

• Add tests for new features
• Follow existing code style
• Update README with examples