Predefined Versions for Apple Operating Systems

[xoxo]

On Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 17:03:33 UTC, Walter Bright wrote:
> > I'd never thought of that, I was just following normal C
> practice with the predefines.
>
> Your idea is a good one, but I think it's a bit too late. I'm 
> concerned about the disruption it could cause. People with a 
> lot of code just don't care for even simple changes like 
> search/replace. We've inflicted enough of that.

Most of the time, following C is a mistake, but in most cases, 
it's okay (simplicity & efficiency).

It is obvious that following C is incorrect when it comes to OS 
predefines.


In my view, `version (OS)` was a mistake.

1. Not type safe
2. Inconsistent
3. Prone to mistakes


D needs secure built-ins that are type-checked at COMPILE time.


```
static if (builtin.OS.tag == $Linux) {}
``


The benefit of using $ is that it eliminates the need to enforce 
an import, prevents internal modules from being revealed, or just 
eliminates the need to use the unsafe `version`.

By default, the most compelling and user-friendly code should be 
the most secure.

It should be annoying to use something unsafe.