because the JLS says so, how's that for an explanation?
�15.4 FP-strict Expressions
If a class, interface, or method, X, is declared strictfp, then X and any class, interface, method, constructor, instance initializer, static initializer or variable initializer within X is said to be FP-strict.
also, you can't declare a variable as strictfp.
... but of course Rob's answer is much more thorough and informative -- nicely done Rob.
[ February 12, 2004: Message edited by: Jessica Sant ]