Re: [GNU-COBOL] math library questions

["John J. Adelsberger III" <jja@umr.edu>]

> Those people working on math library functions who are failing back on C
> data types need to carefully consider if their initial design concepts are
> correct.  I would propose that only char types be used in the libraries -
> even for the COMP variables that look and act like INTs, but aren't because
> of their variable length.  Granted, it is a mind bender to do bit level
> math, but failing to do so will result in something that does not perform as
> expected.

I already tried to make this argument.  It is correct beyond the vaguest
shadow of possible doubt, but it 'sounds hard,' so it was rejected, even
when I pointed out that I and/or another person might write it.  As far
as I can tell, some serious reconsideration of the project goal is in
order; do we just want something that will handle COBOL program source,
or do we want something that actually gets the semantics right and thus
is a valid COBOL implementation?  Personally, if the answer isn't the
latter, I've got better things to do with my time, but I'm not in charge,
so we'll see...

-- 
John J. Adelsberger III
jja@umr.edu

"Civilization is the process of setting man free from men."

						- Ayn Rand

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