Re: [Caml-list] Integer arithmetic: mod

["Kai Kaminski" <kok@wtal.de>]

On Mon, Aug 06, 2001 at 09:35:15AM +1000, John Max Skaller wrote:
> > The reason is that whenever such a behaviour is platform-dependent, you
> > can't use it at all, as long as you want to have your programs portable.
> 
> 	Yes you can: it works for non-negative arguments.
> And you can always roll your own function that works as you desire
> for negative ones:
I'm using a high-level language like OCaml and I still have to define my
own 'mod'-operator? I know that it is possible to write a function that
gives me what I want.

> This way, YOU choose whether you want a deterministic result
> for non-negative values (use mod, its fast), or are willing
> to pay extra for determinism for negative values.
With a second operator this wouldn't be a problem. If you need really
fast code and the behaviour for negative numbers doesn't matter, you
just choose the faster one. Your code gets a bit platform specific, but
it is better to 'punish' the few implementors of speed-critical
applications, than all the rest of us.

> But I agree with you anyhow. :-)
IMHO, that's always a good thing ;)

Kai Kaminski
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