File: gawk.info,  Node: MPFR On Parole,  Next: MPFR Intro,  Up: MPFR features

16.3.1 Arbitrary Precision Arithmetic is On Parole!
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As of version 5.2, arbitrary precision arithmetic in 'gawk' is "on
parole."  The primary 'gawk' maintainer is no longer maintaining it.
Fortunately, a volunteer from the development team has agreed to take it
over.

   This feature is on parole because its inclusion was a mistake.  It
has led to endless bug reports, misuse of the feature and public abuse
of the maintainer, for no real increased value.

   If the situation with support changes, the feature will be removed
from 'gawk'.

   If you use this feature, you should consider finding a different
toolset with which to accomplish your goals.(1)

   ---------- Footnotes ----------

   (1) Of course, you can always continue to use a version of 'gawk'
that still supports arbitrary precision arithmetic.  It simply will be
unmaintained.