Re: question about linker

Bart <bc@freeuk.com> writes:

On 28/11/2024 22:38, Keith Thompson wrote:

Bart <bc@freeuk.com> writes:

On 28/11/2024 19:58, Keith Thompson wrote:

Bart <bc@freeuk.com> writes:
[...]

I think 'const' is confusing for similar reasons that VLAs can be both
confusing and awkward to implement.
>
That's because both really apply to /types/, not directly to variables.

Sure.  For example, given
      const int n = 42;
n is of type `const int`, and &n is of type `consts int*`.  Of course
that implies that n itself is const.

>
But that is a separate thing. Suppose T was an alias for 'const int'. Then:
>
   T x;           // defines a readonly variable (which probably needs
                  // initialising)
   T* y;          // defines a variable pointer
>
'const' is out of the picture.

You say T is an alias (what, a macro?) for 'const int', you show code
using T, and then you say "'const' is out of the picture".  If you
have a point, it escapes me.

>
Well, can you see 'const' in my example? You can't tell x is readonly
by only looking at this.

Yes, you said that T is an alias for 'const int'.  Not sure why you
wrote "alias".  Is it a macro, or a typedef, or something else?

I suggest that hiding "const" behind a macro or typedef is usually a bad
idea.  Why did you do it here?  Is your example based on real code, or
did you contrive it to be as confusing as possible?

Yes, and you seem determines to make it easier to get mixed up.

>
C doesn't require any help from me for confusing features.

No, but people using C sometimes require help in resolving their
confusion rather than reinforcing it.

                                                           The OP said
it was confusing and I tried to point out why it might be.
>
Obviously you as C expert will never be confused. But there are lots
of less expert users of the language.

Not true.  I am occasionally confused.  I just don't brag about it, and
I'd rather help others avoid confusion than add to it.

[...]

--
Keith Thompson (The_Other_Keith) Keith.S.Thompson+u@gmail.com
void Void(void) { Void(); } /* The recursive call of the void */