"Jim Langston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> 2**2 = 4
> 4**2 = 16
> 16**2 = 256
> 256**2 = 65536
> 65536**2 = 4294967296
>
> In fact, if I put (2**2)**2**2**2
> it comes up with the correct answer, 4294967296
I have never gone wrong with mathematical expressions since I reduced
the set of operator associativity and precedence rules to these:
1. Addition and subtraction have the same precedence, and are
left-to-right associative
2. Multiplication and division have the same precedence, and are
left-to-right associative
3. Use parentheses to make explicit all other precedence and
associativity
The specific programming language I use at any given moment might
follow more complex rules, but I ignore them in favour of the above
set. I thus spend less time uselessly thinking about tasks I should be
delegating to explicit expression syntax, and am never surprised by a
misunderstood mathematical associativity or precedence rule.
--
\ "A hundred times every day I remind myself that [...] I must |
`\ exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have |
_o__) received and am still receiving" -- Albert Einstein |
Ben Finney
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