mpz_tstbit is limited ?

[delta trinity]

>  Hi,
>
>The definition of the mpz_tstbit function is:
>
>int mpz_tstbit (mpz_t op, unsigned long int bit_index)
>
>  Why not:
>bool mpz_tstbit (mpz_t op, unsigned long int bit_index)

Because bool is a c++ specific keyword and gmp is built to be used with 
standatd 'c'.  Standard 'c' doesn't know about 'bool'.

>  Why not:
>int mpz_tstbit (mpz_t op, mpz_t bit_index)

Because it wouldn't make much sence to test bits larger than a long int.  
This would be a test un a number that is 4 bilion bits wide.  So, for speed 
concert, we use a unsigned long.

>  Regards,
>
>  Cpm.

Eric.

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