Edit Distance Insert Delete Reversal Cost Tool

Description

Calculate forward=insertions*insertionCost+deletions*deletionCost and reverse with the counts exchanged, then gap=reverse-forward.

A similarity term depends on the comparison universe, missing-value policy, treatment of repeated features, and normalization. A score can also have a caller-selected value when its mathematical denominator vanishes. Those conventions matter before interpreting a threshold or comparing methods.

Calculate forward=insertions*insertionCost+deletions*deletionCost and reverse with the counts exchanged, then gap=reverse-forward.

When to use this tool

Use Edit Distance Insert Delete Reversal Cost when you need this particular comparison term, normalization, domain condition, or empty-result policy in a larger matching workflow.

How to use the tool and how it works

Enter insertions, deletions, insertionCost, deletionCost. Use the units and conventions below.
Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
Read forward, reverse, gap. Use the output convention below.

Calculate forward=insertions*insertionCost+deletions*deletionCost and reverse with the counts exchanged, then gap=reverse-forward. Require nonnegative integer counts and costs.^[1]

Input field	Meaning and units	Accepted input
insertions	Insertions	Required. Safe integer; minimum 0.
deletions	Deletions	Required. Safe integer; minimum 0.
insertionCost	Insertion Cost	Required. Finite number; minimum 0.
deletionCost	Deletion Cost	Required. Finite number; minimum 0.

Output field	Interpretation	Returned shape
forward	Forward	Required. Finite number.
reverse	Reverse	Required. Finite number.
gap	Gap	Required. Finite number.

json

{
  "input": {
    "insertions": 3,
    "deletions": 1,
    "insertionCost": 2,
    "deletionCost": 4
  },
  "output": {
    "forward": 10,
    "reverse": 14,
    "gap": 4
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

This compares supplied edit counts without computing a minimum edit path. Substitutions, gap interactions, string identity, and completeness of the edit script are not checked.
The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.

Alternative or Complementary methods

Compare methods only after aligning feature definitions, missingness, empty policies, multiplicities, and normalizers. Use a complete comparison when the tool returns only one contribution or count check.

References

Calculation and input contract: similarity/edit-distance-insert-delete-reversal-cost — tool.io

Similar or alternative tools

Edit Distance Cost Symmetry Pair
Return symmetric when insertion equals deletion cost and the supplied forward/backward substitution costs are exactly equal.
Containment Score Direction Reversal Gap
Calculate firstContainment=intersection/firstSize and secondContainment=intersection/secondSize, then gap=firstContainment-secondContainment.