What is the correct use of auto?

[Robert Fraser]

Georg Wrede wrote:
> 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.

FWIW, neither would I (since it kills the portability/maintainability 
aspect of auto). But it would be nice to have for people who do want it.

Actually, I would run it on all the Tango examples, since "auto" has no 
place in examples -- If I'm learning how to use an API, I want to know 
the actual types of the stuff I'm getting without looking up every function.