in reply to Re^2: The trap of reference numification
in thread The trap of reference numification

Comparisons between objects. Depending on my mood, I'll use eq or == interchangably. Before we go ahead and do this, there needs to be considerable discussion. This will end up being a bigger change than expected.
My criteria for good software:
  1. Does it work?
  2. Can someone else come in, make a change, and be reasonably certain no bugs were introduced?
  • Comment on Re^3: The trap of reference numification

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Re^4: The trap of reference numification
by Roy Johnson (Monsignor) on Nov 11, 2005 at 20:01 UTC
    Comparisons are one thing, but I seriously doubt you do math ops on them (like in this case, using the modulus operator). If the warning recognized that situation, I suspect it would be pretty close to The Right Thing.
    Caution: Contents may have been coded under pressure.
[reply]
      So, you're proposing that the warning should warn whenever a reference is numified, save when the numified value is used in a == (any other exceptions)? Talk about a weird exception to a weird case. And you think we get laughed out now ...
      My criteria for good software:
      1. Does it work?
      2. Can someone else come in, make a change, and be reasonably certain no bugs were introduced?
[reply]
        At issue is determining when something is likely to be programmer error. That's a very twisty problem. Your post suggests that you think it should be straightforward and elegant. Whose laughter are you concerned about?

        Do you disagree with my suggestion, and if so, have you got some stronger argument than ridicule?

        Caution: Contents may have been coded under pressure.
[reply]
Re^4: The trap of reference numification
by friedo (Prior) on Nov 11, 2005 at 19:52 UTC
    I don't think anyone was proposing that it be done without major discussion. I assume that the usual erudite discourse and flamewars to light up the night sky will take place on p5p. Personally, I think the change would be worth the effort.
[reply]
      If 5.10.0 ever gets released, then I would agree. Putting it into 5.8.8 is just a recipe for disaster.
      My criteria for good software:
      1. Does it work?
      2. Can someone else come in, make a change, and be reasonably certain no bugs were introduced?
[reply]
        Putting it into 5.8.8 is just a recipe for disaster.

        What would be so disasterous about an additional warning? So, a few people would have to add no warnings 'numification'; (or whatever) to their modules. I don't think that would be a reason to run for the bomb shelters.

        -sauoq
"My two cents aren't worth a dime.";
[reply]
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