Format

Format[expr] prints as the formatted form of expr.

Assigning values to Format[expr] defines print forms for expressions.

Format[expr, form] gives a format for the specified form of output.

Standard forms for formatted output are:

You can add your own forms for formatted output.

Example: Format[s] := rhs defines a symbol s to print like rhs.

Format[f[ ... ]] := rhs defines a function f to print like rhs.

Definitions for Format are stored in the FormatValues of a symbol.

If you specify a new output format for an expression by giving a definition for Format, there is no guarantee that Mathematica will be able to interpret this output format if it is used as input.

Definitions given for Format are used before those given for MakeBoxes.

See The Mathematica Book: Section 2.8.16.

See also: ToString, ToBoxes, MakeBoxes, MakeExpression.

Further Examples