What is considered an "advanced" topic in Python?

[MRAB]

On 2015-06-01 12:57, Marko Rauhamaa wrote:
> Laura Creighton <lac at openend.se>:
>
>> Von Neumann recommended against floating-point numbers for the 1951
>> IAS machine, arguing that fixed-point arithmetic is preferable. I
>> agree, but, if John von Neumann couldn't win that argument, then there
>> is no way on earth I could. So, if floating point is going in, at
>> least we should represent them differently.
>
> Your problem is not fixed-point vs floating-point but related to the
> radix. Base-10 floating-point would be perfect for you and base-2
> fixed-point would demonstrate even worse rounding errors.
>
>> But, hell, I write accounting and bookkeeping systems.
>
> Ah, I see.
>
> In 1951, decimal numbers would have done little good in the UK with the
> pound divided into 20 shillings and the shilling into 12 pence. Maybe a
> "Babylonian" module would have been perfect.
>
Don't forget that there was also a ha'penny (half-penny).