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From: Tim Rentsch <tr.17687@z991.linuxsc.com>
Newsgroups: comp.programming
Subject: Re: Long winter evenings
Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:58:18 -0800
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Richard Heathfield <rjh@cpax.org.uk> writes:

> I have just written a program in C, which for reasons that will remain
> shrouded in the mists of wossname I wanted to be as short as
> possible.  The program solves a highly specific and relatively
> antiquated problem.
>
> Now that the nights are drawing in, some of you might be at a loose
> end and wish for something to help you pass the time.
>
> So here's the puzzle, which is in two parts:
>
> (1) What, *exactly*, does the program do?  That is, what is the
> significance of the printed result?
>
> (2) Is there a way to make the program shorter, without compromising
> its rigorous adherence to ISO C90?  [...]

There is a simple way of shortening the program that applies to
all the variations I have seen posted.

Hint: I don't make the rules, I just follow them.

(In my own defense let me say I think this idea is easier to
figure out than question (1) above.)