[Tutor] difference between signed integers and unsigned integers

[R. Alan Monroe]

> Hi,
>   i know my question is not directly related to
> python. but i just have started the programming in
> python. so i am not a profesional programmer or an
> expert. and i am only subscribed to the python's
> mailing lists. thats why i am asking this question on
> this list. i want to know what are signed and unsigned
> integers and what is the difference between them.

The only difference is in your intentions:

(positive)
1
2 6 3 1
8 4 2 6 8 4 2 1

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  = 136

(negative)
1
2 6 3 1
8 4 2 6 8 4 2 1

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  = -120

Same bits, different interpretations.

The only thing to consider is that they "roll over" (like an odometer)
so unsigned byte 255+1 = 0, and signed byte 127+1 = -128 (someone is
bound to correct me if I'm off by one here)

Alan