[Info-vax] VAX Macro to C conversion

[Dave Froble]

On 7/10/2019 2:10 PM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> On 7/10/19 11:40 AM, Dave Froble wrote:
>> On 7/10/2019 9:34 AM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
>>>
>>>> * no string type
>>>
>>> So what?  What's so great about a string type?  Fortran
>>> didn't have it until 77.  Pascal didn't have it until UCSD.
>>
>> Strings are vital in some applications.  Perhaps not in number
>> crunching.  Try a name and address without strings.  Maybe you'll be
>> cleaver enough to use GPS coordinates for the address, but for the name?
>>
>> Try writing a compiler without strings.
>
> Nobody said there shouldn't be strings.  You are free to declare
> any type pf string you want in C.  null-terminated, descriptor,
> counted, whatever you want.  Decide what is best for your use
> and create it.  The programmer is tied to only one type of string.
>
>>
>>>> * non type safe enum
>>>> * lots of old and bad design in standard RTL
>>>> * lots of undefined and implementation specific behavior
>>>
>>> Even Ada has that.
>>>
>>>> makes it much easier to write code that result in bad runtime
>>>> error than most other common languages of today.
>>>
>>> Do I really need to go on?  Stop blaming a language for the
>>> incompetence of the programmer.
>>
>> Of course a programmer must be competent, but, why not make things
>> easier?
>
> Because frequently (most times) "making it easier" involves hamstringing
> the programmer.

Sorry Bill, I got to call BS on that.

As an example, yes, string descriptors can be used in C.  But as far as 
I know, which isn't much, the programmer must set up the descriptors. 
However, in Basic, it's not required to declare a string, just use it, 
and it's there.  Now, how does this case of "easier" hamstring the 
programmer?



-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
DFE Ultralights, Inc.
170 Grimplin Road
Vanderbilt, PA  15486