Re: Self-modifying code

[David Botton <david@botton.com>]

> So, except for shared (loaded at runtime) or dynamic (loaded on demand) 
> libraries, the answer is NO!

So not true... I've done it and I am sure many others have here too. In the old days it was a much more common technique when space was tight. Almost any language can do it, and no language in and of itself can really prevent it.

Ada prevents you from shooting yourself in the foot by mistake, but anyone can do it on purpose.

> Note: Dynamic libraries are normally a complete sub-system of routines 
> not just a simple single function type plug-in.

Not true, I'd almost say the majority of dynamic libraries I've used (outside basic std libs) are components. You would be surprised how often those dynalibs have no more than one function, say a factory to an IUknown interface etc.

Also tons of plugin APIs, etc. I've used in the past with one function access, etc.

Dynamic libs are a very solid way to swap code around at runtime.

David Botton