[Info-vax] Use of logical names other than I/O redirection

[alanfe...@gmail.com]

On Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 8:28:10 PM UTC-4, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> On 9/10/2022 7:35 PM, alanfe... at gmail.com wrote: 
> > I recall Hoff once lamenting about logical names. He said they are 
> > mostly good for I/O redirection. And, IIRC, not liking using them to 
> > store application data. 
> > 
> > I was wondering how people here (esp. Hoff!) feel about their use in 
> > batch queues and mail.
> My opinion: 
> 
> files & directories => great 
> configuration => ok but a bit of a hack - a config file or command line 
> switch is usually better 
> process communication => bad - use something else 
> 
> If for batch queue you mean a logical name pointing to a batch queue, 
> then I think it is fine - it is similar to files and directories. 
> 
> If for mail you mean logicals used by EVE to auto format mail, 
> then it is a hack, but a hack that I have been using myself. If 
> something else please elaborate. 
> 
> Arne

You can use logical names for recipients! I don't know if this is a true story, but someone did a 
$ DEFINE MORON <user-address>
And when the person received it, it should that it was sent to MORON!

I suppose that's harmless enough for personal use. I suppose one could make "public" logical names for positions like systems administrator, or HR Head, who might change from time to time.