Relational functions

Three native binary operators <, > and = are available in Pico to compare numerical or textual values. The rules are the following:

• the two arguments are both either numbers, fractions or a mixture; in this case both numerical values are compared according to the standard sequencing of numbers
• the two arguments are both text; in this case both textual values will be compared according to the lexicographic ordering of the alphabet of characters

In order to compare arbitrary values, -that is numbers, fractions, text, functions and tables- a generic operator equivalent is provided. This operator checks for exact identity of the two arguments; for a detailed specification we again refer to the next chapter.

In all cases the resulting value will be either true or false, as illustrated by the following transcript: