Re: Attributes 'Version and 'Body_Version

["Nick Roberts" <nickroberts@adaos.worldonline.co.uk>]

> > But just because they were originally intended for a
> > certain purpose,
> > doesn't mean they cannot be used for another purpose (in
> > addition), does it?
>
> It should if you are following good language design
> principles. There is no point in using the same attribute
> name for two different purposes.

Yes there is: simplicity.

> Also, extending the meaning of 'Version would be a language
> extension that would create a non-conforming variant of
> Ada.

No it wouldn't. Changing the meaning would, but extending it specifically
does not. My suggestion was purely to do with extending the ways in which
the attributes (Version and Body_Version) are used; at no point was my
suggestion to prevent them from doing what the RM95 requires.

> > Far be it from me to wish to perpetuate any confusion,
> > but often confusion is a problem cured by good
> > documentation, and doesn't necessarily require
> > new attributes.

> You can cure someones confusion with documentation if the
> confusion arises from misunderstanding. If the confusion
> stems from confused language design, such as in this case
> suggesting the use of 'Version to mean two rather unrelated
> things, then documentation won't be enough.

I'm sorry, but the confusion in this case is all yours, Robert!

--
Best wishes,
Nick Roberts