Shark8 expounded in
news:066181c0-9b80-4c17-a7b4-7ef28a297ea4@e16g2000pri.googlegr
oups.com: 

> On Dec 3, 8:49�am, Warren <ve3...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I really hate MS software design. �Every API item is shoe
>> horned into a WORD, DWORD or some basterized pointer to
>> some such. �Why couldn't they take the time to put some
>> real C++ types (if they're going to use C++) around these
>> things? � Cheeze Louise! �And drop that Hungarian
>> notation, for crying out loud.
>>
>> Warren
> 
> I defiantly agree with the Hungarian notation.

<tossed cookies> followed by <dry heaves>

The type declaration carrys the type information. It does NOT 
belong in the name (of the variable).  It creates a  
maintenance nightmare also -- change the type and all 
instances of the name must be changed.  

BLECH.

> The argument could be made that if they were going to spend
> the time/ energy to use "real C++ types" they would have
> been better off doing it in Ada where the strong typing
> would help; 

That's academic- but they did use C++.

> IMO, C++ encourages the disuse/misuse of types.

If you're going to use C++, then don't dumb it down to 
dumbest unspecified types.  That's like taking a sports car
and using those dumb little spare tires that limp you home.

> I agree with you about the WORD, DWORD, pointer thing. It
> would be better to have actual types with actual
> parameters/fields... 

Yes. Every event and API is usually specific enough for real 
type definitions. 

> but then the same could be said about
> the 'typless' FSes for *nix and windows

That is something different. A "file" is a perfectly generic 
container of information. Do you want to allow your software 
to decide the format? Or would you prefer the OS to do it 
instead?  Something must decide.

Prior to Unix, everything was a unit record of some sort. It 
still is on the non-UNIX (non-hierarchical) parts of a 
mainframe:

//DATAOUT DD DSN=M0DXYZ.DATA,                      
//           DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),                 
//           SPACE=(TRK,(10,10),RLSE),                
//           DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=23,BUFNO=10,OPTCD=C) 

Do you want to go back to specifying all these file 
attributes? RECFM=? LRECL=? BLKSIZE=? bLECH. Not to 
mention it complicates ftp transfers etc. :

LOCSITE LRECL=80 RECFM=FB BLOCKSIZE=320 CYLINDERS \
  PRIMARY=2 SECONDARY=2

Blexhch.

One of the best things about Unix is that it finally tossed 
aside all of these silly hinderances.  Everything since has 
copied this thinking.

Warren