From: David Vallner <david@...>
Date: 2006-02-09T09:33:50+09:00
Subject: Re: boolean annoyance

Dňa Streda 08 Február 2006 23:54 Claudio Jeker napísal:
> Have you ever looked at boolean algebra. The use of 0 as false is just
> standard usage in boolean expressions.
>

Recalling the earlier "Why Ruby isn't <insert language name>" thread, someone 
noted that what the 0 symbol represents in boolean algebra has absolutely 
nothing to do with what the 0 symbol represents in arithmetics.

Just like a capital letter O isn't a numerical 0, an arithmetical 0 isn't the 
same as a boolean 0. A boolean false value is in Ruby represented by the 
keyword "false", an arithmetical zero by the literal "0" - that's all there's 
to it. C's lack of distinction between these can arguably be considered as a 
fault of C while we're nitpicking, as well as Ruby's rather broad range of 
values that are true in a boolean context. Neither is, IMO, more "right" than 
the other, it depends on how often you find one practical in your code, and 
both are a lot more often practical than Java's strictness on the issue.

David Vallner