[Python-Dev] Expert floats

[Aahz]

On Wed, Mar 31, 2004, Andrew Koenig wrote:
>
> Decimal floating-point has almost all the pitfalls of binary
> floating-point, yet I do not see anyone arguing against decimal
> floating-point on the basis that it makes the pitfalls less apparent.

Actually, decimal floating point takes care of two of the pitfalls of
binary floating point:

* binary/decimal conversion

* easily modified precision

When people are taught decimal arithmetic, they're usually taught the
problems with it, so they aren't surprised.  (e.g. 1/3)
-- 
Aahz (aahz at pythoncraft.com)           <*>         http://www.pythoncraft.com/

"usenet imitates usenet"  --Darkhawk