Re. [RFC] Do not use ^ as representation for exponentiation

[David Sherratt]

> Hello.
>
> I propose to stop supporting `^' as an alternative represetnation of
> "**" and UP.
>
> Reasons:
>
> 1. A symbolic representation, plus a bold word representation for a
>     given operator is more than enough IMO.
>
> 2. This way the worthy character `^' gets free for other potential uses.
>
> Objections?
>
I object.

When I started using Algol 68 back in the day instead of Fortran, I
switched to using "^" instead of "**" for exponentiation, and never used
the latter again. For me, it is more elegant (and shorter). I never use
"**" or "UP"

To quote from Andrew D. McGettrick's book "Algol 68 a first and second
course".
> 2.4.3. Exponentiation
> The last of the basic dyadic operators is the exponential operator.
> This is used for raising numbers to an integral power. The operator
> can be denoted by
>       ↑      **        UP
> The representation ↑ is favoured here.
In the ascii character set, the closest symbol to ↑ is the caret symbol
"^", and I believe that it was widely used where ascii was the character
set.

I am sorry to see that "^" has already been removed.




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prifysgol y Flwyddyn yng Nghymru
Y Brifysgol Orau yng Nghymru ac Ymysg y 3 Uchaf yn y DU am Ansawdd y Dysgu a Phrofiad Myfyrwyr
Canllaw Prifysgolion Da 2024, The Times and Sunday Times

Welsh University of the Year
Top in Wales and Top 3 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience
Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg a Saesneg. Cewch ateb Cymraeg i bob gohebiaeth Gymraeg ac ateb Saesneg i bob gohebiaeth Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn arwain at oedi.
We welcome correspondence in Welsh and English. Correspondence received in Welsh will be answered in Welsh and correspondence in English will be answered in English. Corresponding in Welsh will not involve any delay.