I used toString() too, but realized I didn't have to. Thanks

If you need a variable later in the code, it's very easy to just make a copy. The problem is with arrays / pointers, with which there are side effects. But there are no inconvenients with integers AFAIK. Do you have any authorities to back up this?

Good spot man, clearly wasn't thinking straight when refactoring.

Thanks duco,
Made the change to your suggested compression.

Oops :-( Fixed. Thanks for reporting...

As you emphasized it, it's an opinion, not an issue. And the reason is actually fairly simple: it is what is explained/asked for in the description (even if it is effectively weird...).

Out of specs

That won't have any consequence outside of the function because these are primitives and the function isn't long/complex enough so that it could cause troubles. So yes, maybe not the state of the art but honestly, there are things far more important than that.

thanks!!