Java Language Specification JSE13 Edition

[Thibault, Daniel]

   Hello,

   I'm not sure if this is the right mailing list to send my observations to, but here goes.

   In the Java Language Specification JSE13 Edition, 3.9 Keywords, the paragraph that explains const and goto are "reserved but not currently used" should also mention the underscore (_) keyword. As far as I can tell, it is "not currently used" either, with the intent being to eventually have it indicate an unused lambda, method, or catch formal parameter in a declaration (JEP 302: Lambda Leftovers).

   In 3.10.2, Floating-Point Literals, hexadecimal floating-point literals are poorly explained. It is not mentioned that the "binary exponent" part is in base 2 instead of the decimal floating-point exponent base 10. An example would be useful. Something like "0xFFp1 = 510.0". It is also somewhat unclear if hexadecimal floating-point literals are double- or single-precision by default. The first text paragraph of page 36 could clear this up if changed from "A floating-point literal is of type float [...]" to "A floating-point literal (decimal or hexadecimal) is of type float [...]". The values for the largest/smallest positive finite non-zero float/double literals should also be given in hexadecimal notation and include mention of the predefined constants MIN_VALUE and MAX_VALUE of the Float and Double classes. Finally, on page 37 the reference to "a non-zero denormalized number" should add "(see 4.2.3)".

   Cordially,

Daniel U. Thibault, M.Sc.²

Informaticien scientifique, CME-PSC, Centre de recherches de Valcartier
Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
daniel.thibault at drdc-rddc.gc.ca<mailto:daniel.thibault at drdc-rddc.gc.ca> / Tél: 418-844-4000x4245 Téléc: 418-844-4538
daniel.thibault at forces.gc.ca<mailto:daniel.thibault at forces.gc.ca> / Tél: 418-844-4000x4245 Téléc: 418-844-4538

Computer Scientist, MCCS-SPC, Valcartier Research Centre
Defence Research and Development Canada / Government of Canada
daniel.thibault at drdc-rddc.gc.ca<mailto:daniel.thibault at drdc-rddc.gc.ca> / Tel: 418-844-4000x4245 Fax: 418-844-4538
daniel.thibault at forces.gc.ca<mailto:daniel.thibault at forces.gc.ca> / Tel: 418-844-4000x4245 Fax: 418-844-4538

DRDC is an agency of the Department of National Defence / RDDC est une agence du ministère de la Défense nationale