IZ2421: qsub -p should accept a range from -1024 to 1023

[templedf]

[Imported from gridengine issuezilla ​http://gridengine.sunsource.net/issues/show_bug.cgi?id=2421]

        Issue #:      2421             Platform:     All      Reporter: templedf (templedf)
       Component:     gridengine          OS:        All
     Subcomponent:    clients          Version:      5.3         CC:    None defined
        Status:       NEW              Priority:     P5
      Resolution:                     Issue type:    DEFECT
                                   Target milestone: ---
      Assigned to:    roland (roland)
      QA Contact:     roland
          URL:
       * Summary:     qsub -p should accept a range from -1024 to 1023
   Status whiteboard:
      Attachments:

     Issue 2421 blocks:
   Votes for issue 2421:


   Opened: Mon Nov 5 19:02:00 -0700 2007 
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The qsub -p option accepts a range from -1023 to 1024.  Because the value is
then stored in an unsigned int (32 bits), and because -1023 to 1024 can
(theoretically) be represented by an 11-bit buffer, the asymmetry in the range
is not caused by storage limits.  The asymmetry can therefore be assumed to be a
conscious attempt to mirror the asymmetry of a 2's-compliment number, such as
the -128 to 127 range represented by 8 bits.  Note, however, that the range of
an 8-bit number is -128 to 127, with the negative range being larger.  In the -p
range, the *positive* range is larger.

While this is technically not a defect as the numeric range for -p is completely
arbitrary, it is obvious trying to mimic a familiar pattern and failing.  For
clarity's sake, the range should either be made symmetric or predictably asymmetric.