[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

semantics

the argument about pinning down semantic markup vs leaving it as late as
possible can be viewed in the same framework as the arguments for late vs
early binding in programming languages.

I think in the case of a rich and ever growing field like mathematics
late-binding is pretty much essential --the later the better.

Mathematicians have developed the uncanny ability to carry along unbound terms
until it's absolutely essential to bind them, which is why when reading a book
on lebesgue integrals an expression of the form
$\int f+g =\int f + \int g$
makes perfect sense to a mathematician but no sense to mathematica.

--
Best Regards,
--raman

Adobe Systems                 Tel: 1 (415) 962 3945   (B-1 115)
Advanced Technology Group     Fax: 1 (415) 962 6063
(E 1-160) 1585 Charleston Road       Email: raman@adobe.com
Mountain View, CA 94039 -7900  raman@cs.cornell.edu
http://www-atg/People/Raman.html (Internal To Adobe)
http://www.cs.cornell.edu/Info/People/raman/raman.html  (Cornell)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are my own and in no way should be taken
as representative of my employer, Adobe Systems Inc.
____________________________________________________________________________



References:
• semantics
• From: Ron Whitney <RFW@MATH.AMS.ORG>