"I don't see anything like this in other languages."

I can't use C++ range-based for loops, lambda expression syntax, variadic templates, uniform initialization, move semantics, or any other C++11 feature with my GNU compiler unless I specify -std=c++11 to the compiler. The reason, I suppose, is to avoid the potential for silently breaking old code by changes in keywords, syntax, and semantics. One might say that it would be better for the GNU compiler to default to C++11, and allow a command line switch to revert to older syntax/semantics. But then all old code would have to have its makefile updated, or it would run the risk of becoming broken.

This is the same principle at work with not, by default, enabling features to Perl that introduce newer keywords or semantics. Just because you haven't seen it in other languages doesn't mean it doesn't exist in other languages, and doesn't disqualify it as a "least dangerous" way to upgrade while avoiding damaging legacy code.


Dave

In reply to Re^3: Make $^V and "my" implicit by davido
in thread Make $^V and "my" implicit by gunzip

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