When talking about `apply for` certain operators, `apply to` is more appropriate, is my understanding right?

Question

this doc says

Some additional rules apply for certain operators (e.g., a string as a left argument to the ‘%’ operator). Extensions must define their own conversion behavior.

per cambridge, when expressing have a connection, apply to should be used. For example, "That part of the form is for UK citizens - it doesn't apply to you."

apply for is used to express the meaning of "to request something". For example, "applied for a new job".

So, the description in the doc should be apply to rather than apply for.

Is my understanding right?

Answer 1

"Apply" has multiple definitions. Your example has nothing at all to do with "making an application", as in the sense of applying for a job. In this case, it means "be applicable or relevant".

The document is saying that the additional rules are applicable to certain operators.

You are correct that apply to is normally used in this context and not for. However, "apply" does not have to be followed by either "to" or "for", for example, a common disclaimer is "terms and conditions apply". You can also say "rules apply in certain circumstances".

Arguably, the document is saying that rules apply, not to the operators (which I understand to be programming commands that represent an action), but for them, when they are used. I'm not sure that one can be dogmatic about this example, especially as it appears to be an excerpt from a technical manual, where jargon often takes precedent over the normal rules of grammar.