Re: [boost] namespace for math function and statistics distributions

From: Paul A Bristow (pbristow_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-10-21 11:35:03

|  -----Original Message-----
|  From: boost-bounces_at_[hidden] 
|  [mailto:boost-bounces_at_[hidden]] On Behalf Of Peter Dimov
|  Sent: 18 October 2006 17:35
|  To: boost_at_[hidden]
|  Subject: Re: [boost] namespace for math function and 
|  statistics distributions
|  
|  Paul A Bristow wrote:
|  
|  > Each statistical probability distribution, like negative_binomial
|  > includes a typedef 
|  > 
|  >  typedef negative_binomial_distribution<double> 
|  negative_binomial; //
|  > Reserved name of type double. 
|  > 
|  > so that users have the great convenience (when using 
|  double - 99% of
|  > use?) 
|  > 
|  > of specifiying distributions thus
|  > 
|  >  using boost::math::negative_binomial; // default type is double.
|  >  negative_binomial mydist(8., 0.25);
|  > 
|  > rather than having to use the rather long full, type 
|  specified name:
|  > 
|  >  negative_binomial_distribution<double> my8dist(8., 0.25);
|  
|  There's also the option of
|  
|  negative_binomial_distribution<> my8dist(8., 0.25);

Thanks for this suggestion.

It has prompted us to think again and conclude that a new namespace would be too big a hammer for such a small nut.

A default RealType = double would be generally convenient, and we will just have to make an exceptionor the 3 cases of name clash
when users will have to use the form

binomial_distribution<> mydist(8., 0.25);

rather than

binomial mydist(8., 0.25);

and similarly:

beta_distribution<> mydist(8., 0.25);
gamma_distribution<> mydist(8., 0.25);

An acceptable nuisance to users, we think.

Thanks

Paul

---
Paul A Bristow
Prizet Farmhouse, Kendal, Cumbria UK LA8 8AB
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pbristow_at_[hidden]