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

["Christopher Barber" <address@hidden>]

> 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.

If there is no distinction, then the term "compiler directive" is not useful
and the whole discussion is moot.

- Christopher