Thread: Mathematical Functions and Operators

Mathematical Functions and Operators

From
PG Doc comments form
Date:
The following documentation comment has been logged on the website:

Page: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/16/functions-math.html
Description:

Typically, exponentiation (which is represented here by ^) is a
right-associative operation. This means that the expression 2 ^ 3 ^ 3 should
be interpreted as 
2 ^ (3 ^ 3) rather than (2 ^ 3) ^ 3.

Correct Interpretation (right-associative):
2 ^ 3 ^ 3 is interpreted as 2 ^ (3 ^ 3), which equals 2 ^ 27 = 134217728.
However, the example provided assumes left-associative behavior:

Incorrect Interpretation (left-associative):
2 ^ 3 ^ 3 is incorrectly interpreted as (2 ^ 3) ^ 3 = 512.

Re: Mathematical Functions and Operators

From
"David G. Johnston"
Date:
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, PG Doc comments form <noreply@postgresql.org> wrote:
The following documentation comment has been logged on the website:

Page: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/16/functions-math.html
Description:

Typically, exponentiation (which is represented here by ^) is a
right-associative operation.

We have documented our operator precedence decisions:


David J.