[Tutor] Assigning function keywords dynamically

[Charlie Clark]

On 2003-01-06 at 18:44:18 [+0100], Tim Peters wrote:
> 
> I expect you're conflating "digital" with "decimal", then.  That's 
> unusual. Digital is usually contrasted with analog, in the sense of 
> discrete versus continuous.
You're right I am but I think I'm etymologically correct - we have ten 
digits.

> > It was in connection with floating point and something along the lines 
> > f "real digital computers have been possible for a long time now and 
> > would make all of this [floating point] mess unnecessary".
> 
> Decimal arithmetic does hold fewer surprises for people than binary 
> floating-point, not because it's inherently better, but because people 
> have certain expectations derived from a lifetime of experience with 
> decimal arithmetic.  That's where the feeling of discomfort comes from 
> when seeing, e.g.,
> 
> >>> .1
> 0.10000000000000001
indeed and I believe it can lead to problems.

> Classes simulating decimal arithmetic in Python are available now; for 
> example (one close to my heart <wink>)
> 
>     http://sourceforge.net/projects/fixedpoint/
filed for in case I ever need it!
 
> Some very early computers did decimal arithmetic in hardware, but direct 
> HW support for it has been falling ever since.  Here's a good link:
Checking it out! IBM has impressive resources. How much difference would it 
make if the hardware did support it directly? Would it be possible to build 
more effecient hardware to counter current sledgehammer developments? I 
somehow have the feeling that it's application field would be wider than 
the cited "financial" and "scientific" applications.

Thanx again

Charlie