Re: because of RPL Message #6 Posted by Maximilian Hohmann on 21 Aug 2011, 6:55 a.m., in response to message #5 by snaggs
Hello!
Quote: So it only does RPL and not RPN?
In a way, it does both. RPN (reverse polish notation) is the logic implemented for keystroke calculating and RPL (reverse polish lisp) is a programming language.
Quote: Isnt RPL simpler for many things?
Well, it is simpler for complicated things. If you look at some programming examples, you will find RPL programs that solve really complicated problems using only a few lines of code. But mind you: Putting together these few lines of code may take a normal person a whole week...
For the usual simple problems (e.g. formulas that need to be recalculated for different input values) RPN keystroke programming as implemented in all HP calculators before the 28 is a very simple, quick, intuitive and efficient approach. You basically type in your formula with the first set of values in PRGM-mode and have written your program in the process. Coming from that background, RPL was a huge slap in the face for most users. Because normal users do not need to solve the 8-queens-problem or sudokus on their calculators...
Regards
Max
Addition: If you are familiar with Star Trek, you may consider the Hp28 as the ideal calculator for Mr. Spock: A totally logical and super-intelligent person who needs to solve problems, that mere mortals can not even understand. On the other hand, Scotty, the engineer, needs to recalibrate the matter-antimatter-ratio inside his warp-engine NOW, otherwise the starship will blow up in a few seconds. Nothing else but an Hp42 (or 41 or 65 or 67) can save him and his ship (and the whole universe because thats what the Enterprise's task is). The universe contains only one Mr. Spock, but many Scotty's. Therfore, mot many people are happy with their Hp28!
Edited: 21 Aug 2011, 7:13 a.m.
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