Expressions in initializers
Dan Horsfall
ddh at hare.cdc.com
Fri Mar 8 04:21:21 AEST 1991
In article <1043 at caslon.cs.arizona.edu>
dave at cs.arizona.edu (Dave P. Schaumann) writes:
>
> ... the logical conclusion of "constant" evaluation at compile-time
> will make C compiler into a C interpreter as well. I have been reminded in
> the past that C is supposed to be a small language (when wishing for a
> largest-of operator on enums). Think how much more work the compiler must
> do to evaluate constant-parameter functions at compile time, even if you
> limited this to standard library functions.
>
> Dave Schaumann dave at cs.arizona.edu
OK, heres my $0.02. How many of you out there really want "constant
expressions" evaluated over and over again at run-time?? How many
times will your code be run, vs. how many times will be it be
compiled?
I know I'll attract flames galore with this attitude, but I expect, even
assume decent compilers to eliminate this stuff without being told (i.e.,
without the higher optimization levels). In this shop, the goal is
NOT performance for the developer -- it's meeting the needs of the
fur-bearing, revenue-producing, end user -- the Customer!
I admit, of course, that not every one needs to write code as if his
livlihood depended on it.
--
Horse
+ Control Data Corporation
Dan Horsfall +1-612-482-4622 + 4201 Lexington Ave North
Internet ddh at dash.udev.cdc.com + Arden Hills MN 55126 USA
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