Global variables (was Re: Caution for those considering MSC 5.0)

[Alan T. Bowler [SDG]]

In article <987 at ssc-bee.ssc-vax.UUCP> lee at ssc-vax.UUCP (Lee Carver) writes:
>
>NEVER, NEVER, NEVER assume the system is going to put something
>there unless you explicitly request it.  It stops a lot of bugs dead
>in their tracks.  You might get away with it if you don't, but how
>will you be sure?

Wheither or not the system actually initializes static data to zero
is irrelevant.  Lee's rule is a good one to follow simply for the
benefit of the human being has to read the code.