Hear us Roar
Article:
 |
|
What I Hate About Your Programming Language
|
| Subject: |
|
C, C++, Java, maybe others - zeroth element arrays |
| Date: |
|
2004-02-16 10:42:43 |
| From: |
|
andrewjmarshall
|
Response to: C, C++, Java, maybe others - zeroth element arrays
|
|
Here's the final answer and I DON'T want to hear any arguments, because they're WRONG.
For low/machine-level languages, arrays should be zero-based. There's too many technical reasons for this to argue against.
For ALL other languages, array bounds should be CONFIGURABLE. Sometimes you want zero-based (freaks), ALMOST ALWAYS you want one-based, and sometimes you want a custom base. Let's remember one of the prime tenets of OO - Encapsulation or keep your users insulated from your implementatation. Why screw your programmers because it's "easier" for the compiler? F*** the compiler! Why is it my job to make the compiler's life easier?
I spent 2 hours arguing this point with my brother-in-law (a UVa Computer Engineering grad), and he lost. So there!
Hugs and kisses,
Andrew
|
|
| |
