in reply to Re: Accessing a scalar value in another subroutine?
in thread Accessing a scalar value in another subroutine?

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Re^3: Accessing a scalar value in another subroutine?
by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Sep 23, 2012 at 21:14 UTC

    Yes. I read the docs; but would still like to a see an example of actual, practical use.

    The only example I've seen that makes any logical sense at all (to me), is the ability to query the information in a repl.

    But that extremely limited-use facility, does not justify burdening the runtime with the overheads it imposes, in a language who's runtime has facilities designed to support it.

    Emulating that limited-use facility in a language the does not have runtime facilities to support just imposes addition runtime costs for no conceivable benefits.


    With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
    Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
    "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
    In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

    RIP Neil Armstrong

      > Emulating that limited-use facility in a language the does not have runtime facilities to support just imposes addition runtime costs for no conceivable benefits.

      yes, avoiding runtime costs is the real problem.

      > The only example I've seen that makes any logical sense at all (to me), is the ability to query the information in a repl.

      docstrings are mostly oneliners (at least in elisp)

      Other applications are methodbrowsers/tabexpansions showing additional infos.

      Or tooltips in IDEs when hovering the mouse over a method call.

      PODs are not DRY, the subname must be repeated, docstrings are automatically at the right place.

      see also:Re^2: Accessing a scalar value in another subroutine?

      Cheers Rolf

        yes, avoiding runtime costs is the real problem.

        It shouldn't be.

        Avoiding imposing penalties on 99% of people's code that have no use for such esoteric facilities, to satisfy the 1% that thinks it might be a good idea, should be simple.


        With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
        Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
        "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
        In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

        RIP Neil Armstrong