reverse Polish notation
reverse Polish notation (RPN; postfix notation; suffix notation) A form of notation, invented by the Polish mathematician Jan Lukasiewicz, in which each operator follows its operands. Thus, for example, a + b is written ab+ a + b ∗ c is written abc∗+
If each operator has a specific number of operands (e.g. if all operators take exactly two operands), then no brackets are required since the order of evaluation is always uniquely defined; the notation can then be described as parenthesis-free.
The importance of RPN is that an expression in this form can be readily evaluated on a stack. Thus translation to RPN, followed by stack evaluation, is a simple but effective strategy for dealing with arithmetic expressions in a programming language. See also Polish notation.
If each operator has a specific number of operands (e.g. if all operators take exactly two operands), then no brackets are required since the order of evaluation is always uniquely defined; the notation can then be described as parenthesis-free.
The importance of RPN is that an expression in this form can be readily evaluated on a stack. Thus translation to RPN, followed by stack evaluation, is a simple but effective strategy for dealing with arithmetic expressions in a programming language. See also Polish notation.
More From encyclopedia.com
Precedence , precedence •abeyance, conveyance, purveyance •creance • ambience •irradiance, radiance •expedience, obedience •audience •dalliance, mésalliance •sali… Operation , operation
1. A function from Sm (see Cartesian product) into S itself, where S is some set specific to the function. Such a function is usually refer… Operator , op·er·a·tor / ˈäpəˌrātər/ • n. 1. a person who operates equipment or a machine: a radio operator. ∎ (usu. the operator) a person who works for a tele… Operational Amplifier , operational amplifier (op-amp) A very high gain voltage amplifier having a differential input, i.e. its output voltage is proportional to (and very m… associative law , associative law Rule of combination in mathematics, in which the result of two or more operations on terms does not depend on the way in which they a… operate , op·er·ate / ˈäpəˌrāt/ • v. 1. [tr.] (of a person) control the functioning of (a machine, process, or system): a shortage of workers to operate new ma…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
reverse Polish notation