Re: Status of algorithms

On Jun 19, 2007, at 2:03 PM, Rotan Hanrahan wrote:

>
> Despite my earlier indication to refrain from further comment, I  
> return because I observe some discussion is taking place.
>
> I propose that the text that introduces an algorithm in the  
> normative section be phrased something like the following (based on  
> an idea suggested in Anne's most recent email to this list):
>
> "The value of the text response entity body MUST be determined by  
> the agent as if it had run the following algorithm:"
>
> This, I believe, provides the necessary clarity and flexibility  
> while providing the necessary formal functional definition.

I think saying "as if" is good for total avoidance of ambiguity. I  
think just saying "the algorithm is" would be worse than the current  
language, since it leaves it completely unclear what the conformance  
requirement is.

Regards,
Maciej

>
> Regards,
> ---Rotan.
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Bjoern Hoehrmann [mailto:derhoermi@gmx.net]
> Sent: Tue 19/06/2007 21:55
> To: Anne van Kesteren
> Cc: Rotan Hanrahan; public-webapi@w3.org
> Subject: Re: Status of algorithms
>
>
>
> * Anne van Kesteren wrote:
>> How about:
>>
>>   Conformance requirements phrased as algorithms or specific steps  
>> may
>>   be implemented in any manner, so long as the end result is  
>> equivalent.
>
> The problem is not with the conformance section, it is with the  
> specific
> requirements regarding algorithm use, phrases like "must use this  
> algo-
> rithm" if using that particular algorithm is not actually required are
> confusing and should be changed. You could simply introduce the  
> specific
> algorithms with "The algorithm is:" and note in the conformance  
> section
> that where given, implementations must implement an algorithm  
> producing
> the same results as that in the specification; that would remove  
> much of
> the confusion.
> --
> Björn Höhrmann · mailto:bjoern@hoehrmann.de · http:// 
> bjoern.hoehrmann.de <http://bjoern.hoehrmann.de/>
> Weinh. Str. 22 · Telefon: +49(0)621/4309674 · http:// 
> www.bjoernsworld.de <http://www.bjoernsworld.de/>
> 68309 Mannheim · PGP Pub. KeyID: 0xA4357E78 · http:// 
> www.websitedev.de/
>
>
>

Received on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 21:39:53 UTC