---
name: "bcd"
section: "6"
platform: "linux"
package: "bsdgames"
version: "2.17-35"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/bcd"
---

# bcd(6)

reformat input as punch cards, paper tape or morse code

## NAME

**bcd**, **ppt**, **morse** – reformat input as punch cards, paper tape or morse code

## SYNOPSIS

**bcd** \[*string* *...*\]

**ppt** \[**-d**\|*string* *...*\]

**morse** \[**-ds** *string* *...*\]

## DESCRIPTION

The **bcd**, **ppt** and **morse** commands read the given input and reformat it in the form of punched cards, paper tape or morse code respectively. Acceptable input are command line arguments or the standard input.

Available option:

- **-s**

  The **-s** option for morse produces dots and dashes rather than words.

- **-d**

  Decode **ppt** output, or **morse** output consisting of dots and slashes (as generated by using the **-s** option).

## SEE ALSO

*ISO 1681:1973: Information processing--Unpunched paper cards--Specification*. *ISO 1682:1973: Information processing--80 columns punched paper cards--Dimensions and location of rectangular punched holes*. *ECMA-10: ECMA Standard for Data Interchange on Punched Tape*. *ITU-T Recommendation F.1: Operational provisions for the international public telegram service*, Division B, I. Morse code.