What is an arithmetic overflow?

Arithmetic overflow is a condition that occurs on computers, especially in the field of computer programming when the calculation or operation provides a result that is too large for a storage system or registration. Overflow can also refer to the amount for a given result exceeds the storage memory. In some cases, data overflow may be stored at another location of the data storage; In others, this may cause the program to hit, slowly trigger or bring inaccurate results. Arithmetic overflows are not limited to full personal or business computers, because simple pocket calculators and communication devices also have limits for the size of the values ​​they can handle. There are many different methods of passing arithmetic overflow. The design of the program plays a very important role; An retracted program that uses consistent and correct types of data and length should not experience such errors. If great care is taken to check the order of operations and maintain everything consistent, you can completely avoidoverflow.

Another way to deal with arithmetic errors overflow is to divide the operation into smaller steps. It is often easier for the system to master simple, small operations than complex operations including large amounts and excessive calculations. If it is not extremely important that the returned number is quite accurate, sometimes it will be enough to write the program in such a way that it tells the user overflows, but will still return value. The most common way to handle the error of overflowing arithmetic is to ignore it completely. Although it is usually harmless, it can bring incorrect results and may endanger the usefulness of the program and the effectiveness of the program.

Ariane 5 Flight 501 clearly illustrates the risk of arithmetic errors overflow. Flight was the first test during the European drain system Ariane 5, which reused most of the code from the old Ariane 4 system. Acceleration Ariane 5, however, was significantly larger than ZRARIANE 4 and programming was not sufficient to master the necessary values. As such, the rocket left the intended aircraft trip 37 seconds after starting and had to be destroyed. This simple programming error costs hundreds of millions of US dollars.