calc82: Devlog #8 12/08/2026

calc82: because calculators are for everyone

Sorry its been a while since the last devlog, I’ve had this one sitting for a while and not had the chance to finish and post it.

This devlog follows the improvement of the user interface to my calculator, as well as the addition of variables.

🌟 New functionality summary

• Add keyboard mappings for buttons
• Variables - assign and recall
• Navigate through history
• Recall history and edit it.

🦋 Modifier keys

It was difficult porting the modifier (shift/alpha) keys to keyboard because Shift is used to type symbols such as + and *, and there is also a Shift key on the calculator…

My solution was making tapping shift without any other input to toggle the calculator shift modifier, and combining it with another key to not toggle it.

🗒️ Notes

Use of the calculator
I’ve actually started using the calculator in class, and it’s been faithful to the original so far (for implemented functionality). I still don’t really trust it though and want to run it through some formalised tests before shipping.

Keyboard mappings
So far, I have been hardcoding keyboard mappings based on what feels natural to me. However, it would probably be better to have user-editable mappings for other people to customise.

📈 Next steps

Immediate:

• M+ and M- special variable
• Variable and history persistence in the browser
• Implement polar/rectangualr conversion

Medium:

• Add menu system and settings
• Add other modes (STAT, VERIFY)
• Create a test suite to ensure there is no unwanted behaviour

Long-term:

• Tidy up visuals
• Ship :)