From: jzakiya <jzakiya@...>
Date: 2010-01-12T06:45:06+09:00
Subject: Re: fib.rb 1.9.1/1.8.6 source code conflicts/errors

> No, I disagree that the code is 'wrong' (that's why I used the quotes).

Yes, the code is 'wrong' because it does not correctly produce the
Fibonacci series.

> It's a benchmark. Its sole purpose in life is to be run a number of
> times, and to have its execution time measured. If fib() were renamed to
> foo() or bignum_test() would that make you happy?

Actually, yes it would make me happy to rename. It would make me more
happy to completely delete it, and not confuse anyone.

> Indeed, "f" "i" "b" are just three letters. Unless I'm mistaken, nowhere
> is it claimed that this code calculates the correct value of the
> Fibonacci series. The code does happen to do so for n>0.

This is very troubling that you feel some 'need' to even make this
specious argument. The code is 'wrong'. Its doesn't matter what its
intimated purpose is. Anyone looking at this code, no matter what
directory it's in, will naturally assume it'll produce (allegedly) the
correct Fibonacci series. Like I said, you don't know who is looking
at this code and for what purpose they'll put it to use. There was no
disclaimer in this code saying: 'Intended only for benchmarking, not
for real use.'

For some reason, when 'I' identify an irrefutable coding 'error' of a
mathematical algorithm it just not good enough to accept it, fix it,
and move on.

Why defend inaccuracy and mediocrity?

Like I said, this is a troubling mindset.