Re: compiler directives; (was: Re: cheerful static typing (was: Any and Every... (was: Eval)))

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Michael Vanier wrote:
>>> This brings up an interesting point.  How do people on this list
>>> feel about allowing compiler directives in programming languages?

Shriram Krishnamurthi asked:
>> Isn't every expression in a program a compiler directive?

"Christopher Barber" <cbarber@curl.com> writes: 
> No.  The term "compiler directive" refers to meta instructions to
> the compiler that may affect how it works in some way, but aren't
> officially part of the program (although a directive might be
> required for a program to compile, link or run properly).  Typical
> examples are directives that enable or disable compilation errors or
> warnings, affect how code is generated, and so on.  Some languages
> allow compiler directives to be specified in the code.  Others force
> you to specify directives in the development environment, for
> example as command line flags.

I have to support Shriram here.  I fail to see the distinction.