Re: Series[log[x], {x, 0, 3}]
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg119226] Re: Series[log[x], {x, 0, 3}]
- From: Helen Read <readhpr at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 19:31:39 -0400 (EDT)
- References: <irijm5$qbr$1@smc.vnet.net>
It's definitely a matter of taste. I almost never use the circle notation for function composition, and I dislike the @ notation for similar reasons. HPR On 5/25/2011 5:55 AM, Murray Eisenberg wrote: > I agree that in many instances, using something of the form f@x may seem > at odds with traditional mathematical notation. (Although it's still > useful in avoiding the eye-nuisance of nested brackets in a construction > such as g[f[x]].) > > But something of the form g@f[x] is very natural from the viewpoint of > traditional mathematical notation: the "@" is reminiscent of the circle > operator denoting functional composition. > > Usually, using @ seems to be a matter of either stressing a particular > meaning or else making an expression easier to read. (Making an > expression easier to type is hardly ever the reason I, at least, would > use @.) > > On 5/24/2011 5:59 AM, Helen Read wrote: >> On 5/23/2011 6:24 AM, Bill Rowe wrote: >>> On 5/22/11 at 6:55 AM, hszhao.cn at gmail.com (Hongsheng Zhao) wrote: >>> >>> While I cannot speak for DrMajorBob, my reason for using the >>> notation f@x rather than f[x] is primarily readability. Constrast >>> >>> Sqrt[Abs[Sin[x]]] >>> >>> with Sqrt[Abs@Sin@x] >>> >>> Both do the same, but for me, it is easier to see what the >>> second form does than the first. Deeply nested brackets are more >>> difficult for me to read. And there is the additional factor of >>> less typing required for the second form. >> >> Each to his/her own. Personally I far prefer the nested brackets, which >> to me is more readable -- it's closer to familiar written mathematical >> notation, and it's clear where each function ends. >> >> And I don't see how the @ sign results in any less typing. >> >> @ requires pressing two keys simultaneously, Shift+2 >> >> [ ] requires two keys (one at a time), the [ and ] >> or two keys simultaneously Alt+] to get matched brackets >> >> >