In message <E0zRMON-0005XF-00@mail1.toronto.istar.net>, Canaglobe International Inc. <mpereira@istar.ca> writes

On the three simple arithmetix function proposed by Markus, Clive asked "If so simple why bother?"

I would note that why should everyone always be forced to reinvent the wheel? What is simple to experts is complex to others. Users very much welcome "sample simple solutions" developed by expert. Common use of simple (standardized) solutions facilitates interoperability and reduces ambiguity.

There's a trade-off here. If the standard library is made too large, it makes it more likely that things are implemented wrongly or just ignored by the implementer. If the functionality is very simple, it isn't really worth including it. -- Clive D.W. Feather | Regulation Officer, LINX | Work: <clive@linx.org> Tel: +44 1733 705000 | (on secondment from | Home: <cdwf@i.am> Fax: +44 1733 353929 | Demon Internet) | <http://i.am/davros> Written on my laptop; please observe the Reply-To address