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Whilst selecting codepath depending upon the (sub)type of a scalar at runtime is definitely a form of introspection, the fact that it is under compiler/interpreter control, rather than programmer control, makes it a somewhat different animal to the normal.

Indeed, I would say that run-time dispatching upon the base type (HASH/ARRAY/SCALAR/CODE etc.) of a reference is likewise, something of a 'special case'.

The types of reflection that I'm more intrigued by the need for, are those provided by the use of UNIVERSAL::ISA and UNIVERSAL::can and similar. These seemed to be used to provide for 'generic programming' ala C++-style templating solutions. In simplistic terms, as a substitute for providing essentially copy&paste dedicated methods, or resorting to MI and/or deep inheritance trees.

An alternative to introspection for dynamic languages is compile-time code generation.

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

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In reply to Re^2: Runtime introspection: What good is it? by BrowserUk
in thread Runtime introspection: What good is it? by BrowserUk

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