Description
Evaluate one affine gap cost using opening+(length−1)*extension and zero cost for an empty gap.
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.
Evaluate one affine gap cost using opening+(length−1)*extension and zero cost for an empty gap.
When to use this tool
Use Edit Gap Extension Term 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 gapLength, openingCost, extensionCost. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read cost. Use the output convention below.
Return zero for gapLength zero, otherwise openingCost+(gapLength-1)*extensionCost. Require nonnegative integer length and nonnegative costs.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| gapLength | Gap Length | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0. |
| openingCost | Opening Cost | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| extensionCost | Extension Cost | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| cost | Cost | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"gapLength": 4,
"openingCost": 5,
"extensionCost": 2
},
"output": {
"cost": 11
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The first gap item incurs opening cost only under this affine-gap convention. No alignment, gap placement, scoring optimization, or alternative opening-plus-full-length convention is inferred.
- 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
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.
- Edit Distance Insert Delete Reversal Cost
Calculate forward=insertions*insertionCost+deletions*deletionCost and reverse with the counts exchanged, then gap=reverse-forward.