> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 20:52:47 -0600
> Subject: Re: symbols in FORTRAN
> From: "James Giles" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-to: "James Giles" <[log in to unmask]>
> robin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> >>Since recent discussion centres on "improvements" for future Fortran,
> >>may I suggest the introduction of "^" symbol for exponentiation, to
> >>eventually replace "**".
> >>
> >>This would be consistent with some of the algebraic manipulation systems, and
> >>remove the possibility of certain typos going undetected.
> >
> >Still waiting to hear what kinds of "typos" can be incurred in writing a**b ?
>
> Some people, when trying to write a**b accidentally write a*b
> instead.
It's something that's blatantly obvious.
Try looking down the barrel of a rifle and of a double-barrelled-shotgun.
Spot the difference?
> If your intent is to reach for the ^ key, this kind of
> accidental fault is almost impossible (there's no nearby key
> that would be valid instead,
There is -- it's the "&" key right next door.
The "&" key terminates the line (or starts it if it's first).
> and omitting or typing more than
> one ^ would be detectable). It's not a common fault. It's
> not a particularly strong argument against **. The fact that
> ^ is more mnemonic is more compelling.
Not all equipment has a "^" key.
In any case, the argment is specious. Try replacing
"*" and "^" in your argument with "+" and "-"
(these keys are adjacent).
There's no substitute for careful checking of what has been
typed -- even the humble expression.
> Too late to do anything. ** is the Fortran exponentiation
> operator for eternity.
>
> --
> J. Giles
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