On one hand FP lets you program without thinking too hard about the numerical properties of your program - until you hit a gotcha. On the other hand FP is pretty powerful for many domains if you're a FP wizard. Like physics simulation.
There have been other approaches besides fixed that people have tried out, such as interval arithmetic and exact (rational) arithmetic, but they all have their own problems.
Comments
On one hand FP lets you program without thinking too hard about the numerical properties of your program - until you hit a gotcha. On the other hand FP is pretty powerful for many domains if you're a FP wizard. Like physics simulation.
There have been other approaches besides fixed that people have tried out, such as interval arithmetic and exact (rational) arithmetic, but they all have their own problems.