[Python-Dev] Re: Decimal data type issues (original) (raw)

Tim Delaney tcdelaney at optusnet.com.au
Fri Apr 23 09:27:37 EDT 2004

Moore, Paul wrote:

While I'm sure the numerical properties are iffy, just how bad is using binary FP as an intermediate when calculating transcendental functions for Decimal values?

Ignoring other issues, what happens when you exceed the limits for float? Throw an exception, or change to another code path (int/long)? If the latter, might as well just use it in all cases - makes it more accurate and less complicated.

I suspect that this is adequate for "casual" users. And I'm not at all sure that the target audience for a Decimal type really cares about transcendental functions...

Might be surprised, but there's time to work on it. See next point.

(I think that boils down to claiming YAGNI, at least in the first instance).

Most definitely not going to be in the first instance, as has been stated before. Python 2.5+ - and then only after a PEP that's gone through as rigorous a process as this one IMO.

Tim Delaney

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