convert non-linear to linear via log base 10, base 2, etc.

How this difference can hurt. m is length of string = 3; *b is first character in string say "xyz" while( *b & m-- ) { b++; } is not the same as while( *b && m-- ) {b++;} because while( *b & m-- ) { b++; } fails when *b is null tested AND m is decremented at the same time ergo m is off by 1 while( *b && m-- ) { b++; } fails when *b is null tested. m is not decremented because of the short circuit test of *b stops the evaluation ergo m has the correct character count so yes & and && are not the same so be careful of the logic when using C

There are millions of write only variables in code is use daily. I bet you have some in your own code right now. For the database problem, someone intended to use the variable, but either forgot it was there or it was unknown to next programmer in line.

In compiler design, recursion is quite useful. It can get overly complicated though. For example: subroutine A and subroutine B are both recursive and call each other. You can see how complicated it can get tracing the execution path. Really not as bad it seems, but you better have your recursion hat on.

Tom, Where did you integer signature quote come from?

5. return False This provides more information than TRUE. You may need the information that the item is not there. This is true whether the delete function does the search itself or it's done outside the function.

Have you tried backup/restore of the Firefox folder in documents and settings under your name and application data? Worked for me.

Nilesh, Your comments about naming conventions are exactly correct. Good words.:) Maida