[boost] Re: Including abs() in rational.hpp

From: Gabriel Dos Reis (dosreis_at_[hidden])
Date: 1999-12-10 16:10:08

jsiek_at_[hidden] writes:

| There is a std::abs() template function, for the complex class.
| Therefore it is both legal to put the rational abs() function in the
                       ^^^^^
| std namespace and highly recommended since a generic algorithm should
| be able to use std::abs() on any numeric type including user defined
| types.

'legal' on which basis? If it is by the Standard, the chapter and verse.

It appears more natural (for me) to put abs() in namespace rational.

We should resist from thinking that a C++ user is typically unaware of
what is defined in the Standard Library, and doesn't know how to use
C++ library.  

-- Gaby