To comment on the following update, log in, then open the issue:
http://www.openoffice.org/issues/show_bug.cgi?id=87101
                 Issue #|87101
                 Summary|unexpected precedence for function call in expression
               Component|Word processor
                 Version|OOo 2.4 RC5
                Platform|All
                     URL|
              OS/Version|All
                  Status|UNCONFIRMED
       Status whiteboard|
                Keywords|
              Resolution|
              Issue type|DEFECT
                Priority|P3
            Subcomponent|ui
             Assigned to|mru
             Reported by|jes





------- Additional comments from [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sun Mar 16 21:52:34 +0000 
2008 -------
In Writer's unusual formula expression language, functions do not require
parentheses around their argument list. It is acceptable to write
  =sum 10|20
giving the result: 30.

However, if the user writes
  =sum 10|20 * 2
the likely expectation, based on experience with other expression languages, is
the result 60. I.e. the function call with its argument list is evaluated before
the arithmetic operator. This is not the case. Writer evaluates this expression
as sum(10|20*2) = 50.

To avoid this, the user must be experienced enough to debug the problem and add
the necessary parentheses:
=sum(10|20) * 2
or
=(sum 10|20)*2

This is made more difficult because the function list in the formula bar
supplies only the function name, with no parentheses, and they are not required
for correct syntax, so there is no hint that they may be needed in a case like 
this.

Perhaps the precedence of function calls could be raised to give the more usual
and expected order of evaluation.

Alternatively, perhaps the function dropdown could insert a set of parentheses,
as a hint that they can be used and may be necessary.

At least, the online help could show some examples using "safe" parentheses.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not reply to this automatically generated notification from
Issue Tracker. Please log onto the website and enter your comments.
http://qa.openoffice.org/issue_handling/project_issues.html#notification

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]


---------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Reply via email to