Uses for negative zero floating point value?

Question

Consider the following C++ code:

double someZero = 0;
std::cout << 0 - someZero << \'\\n\';   // prints 0
std::cout << -someZero << s         


        

Answer 1

Negative zero has for example some use when handling complex numbers...

In everyday use one should mostly avoid the negative zero.

Some links with information regarding background/uses/pitfalls of "negative zero":

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signed_zero
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_point#Signed_zero
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_cut
• http://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/details/344366/negative-zero-behavior-between-c-and-c-code-is-different
• http://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/details/292276/in-vs2005-c-zero-reported-as-negative-zero-for-double-type
• C++ ceil and negative zero