What is the correct use of auto?

[Georg Wrede]

Robert Fraser wrote:
> Hans W. Uhlig wrote:
> 
>> I have been reading through the specification and playing with D more 
>> and more, what is the purpose of auto. I can understand in languages 
>> with scalar types handling datatypes on assignment but on a strictly 
>> typed language like C or D when would auto(as a variable declaration) 
>> provide more useful functionality then it removes from readability.
>>
>> When would this be useful rather then simply specifying the type?
> 
> I want to (someday, not any time soon) add a feature to Descent whereby 
> "auto" can be converted to the actual type automatically throughout a 
> source file. That way, you can get the advantages of less typing (as in 
> "Punch the keys for God's sake", not "int vs. long") while still getting 
> the readability after the refactoring.

I wouldn't use that feature.

I admit, in the beginning, I was against auto, but today, I think it's 
an excellent thing. And not because it could (in some situations) save 
typing.