Manifest constants (was const again)

[Denton Cockburn]

On Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:34:14 +0900, Bill Baxter wrote:

> That's not the point.  The point is if you explain the etymology of the
> use of long to a non-C programmer it will make sense to them.  Ok, long
> as in long number stored using a longer string of bytes than a normal
> integer.  The original meaning still makes sense applied to the
> programming use.  Which is not at all the same thing as saying that it
> completely explains and characterizes the programming use.

Doesn't this actually support Walter's point?

The point is if you explain the etymology of the use of enum to a D 
programmer, it will make sense to them.  (barely changing anything from 
your statement).

I'm one of the few that think that now that with the current D (not C/C+
+) meaning of enum, it makes a natural transition to do what Walter 
proposes.

The important factor will be that it's explained to people.  I get the 
feeling everyone in here, and anyone who you'd respect as a programmer, 
would have the mental capacity to be able to adjust to enum having this 
extended usage (especially after using it for a few days even).