Bisection methods: a use-case example
Nate Hayes wrote (about using a "pragmatic" midpoint2() that returns a
finite result for an unbounded interval):
> I think everyone agrees Sally did something really pragmatic, but one
> might ask the question: is Sally really following the standard or is
> she just working around it?
Nate seems to have a different interpretation of what a standard does,
compared to my understanding.
In my opionion at least, a standard defines precisely how the things
it covers are supposed to behave, and what things must be provided.
It DOES NOT specify any particular programming style! The standard
does not apply to a program, it applies to a programming environment.
The concept of standard-conforming simply does not apply to Sally's
program, whether it is correct or buggy, efficient or cumbersome,
obscure or easy to follow. The only question is whether Sally is
provided with a conforming programming environment.
The quality of the standard may decide how easy it is for Sally to
write a correct, efficient and clear program.
Michel.
---Sent: 2012-05-26 15:17:52 UTC