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From: markh@attctc.Dallas.TX.US (Mark Harrison)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.wizards
Subject: Re: bigger longs (64 bits)
Summary: One use for bigger longs: 18-digit math accuracy
Message-ID: <11372@attctc.Dallas.TX.US>
Date: 8 Feb 90 18:42:37 GMT
Organization: The Unix(R) Connection, Dallas, Texas
Lines: 13

writes:
>What are the feelings here regarding 64 bit longs?
 
As Unix tries to get a larger share of the commercial market, We will see
a need for storing numeric values with 18-digit precision, ala COBOL and
the IBM mainframe.  This can be accomplished in 64 bits, and is probably
the reason "they" chose 18 digits as their maximum precision.

btw, I have always heard 64 bit integers referred to as "xlongs" (extra
longs)... is this common or just our own local jargon?

Mark Harrison
(markh @ attctc)