33. The BigDecimal class

• Java double type isn't flexible enough to provide control over how the number is rounded, and there is no way to limit the double precision in computation.

• When working with currencies, double types representing dollar amounts often yield rounding errors of $0.01 or more.

• For example, where an exact amount is expected, such as $5.00, the rounding error may result in $5.01. It would make development of an accounting software a nightmare, if programmers were forced to use only double type for currency.

• The BigDecimal class gives program complete control over rounding behavior of foating point numbers.

• Eight rounding modes are provided for the control of rounding, specified by values of the RoundingMode enumeration.