Re^5: why are hex values not numbers?

in reply to Re^4: why are hex values not numbers?
in thread why are hex values not numbers?

that doesn't accept hex or octal constants

You're conflating the issue. Mixing apples and blackberries in an attempt to make sanyos.

Perl does accept hex or octal (and binary to boot) constants anywhere it accepts a decimal constant:

print  for 65, 0x41, 0101, 0b1000001;;
65
65
65
65
[download]

In addition, it also accepts a string containing a decimal constant, anywhere it takes a number:

print 65 + 0x41 + 0101 + 0x1000001 + "3.141592653589793238462643383279
+5e001";;
16777443.4159265
[download]

Making it more flexible than most other languages.

The fact that it does not also accept strings containing non-decimal numeric values is not a language flaw; but a design decision, which if you think about it a little, makes perfect sense.

A string containing just decimal digits, can only be a number.

A string containing "OX84AB97" could be a color code; and one containing "007 James Bond" ...

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'

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