Re: Parameterised 'Image Attributes

["Dmitry A. Kazakov" <mailbox@dmitry-kazakov.de>]

On 2023-08-28 11:18, Stephen Davies wrote:

> I did read Randy's response, he explained the difficulty in adding
> parameters to 'Image,

He rather explained that this will never happen... (:-))

There is no good reason why attributes should not have the same 
parameter syntax as subprograms and entry calls. Neither there is one 
why 'Image must be a non-overridable attribute or why different classes 
of types must have same parameter lists in their 'Image.

> so I suggested an alternative parameter-less
> attribute. You could allow the output of this attribute to be
> configurable by either some package data (c.f. Text_IO.Default_Width)
> and/or by the OS. To be honest, all I really want is an attribute that
> any Ada program can use to get a string suitable for output to its
> users, i.e no leading space and exponentiation only used when needed.

This will not happen either. But here I would agree, it is clearly a 
case of language littering.

However see the GNAT-specific 'Img attribute. For debugging purposes it 
does not add space where 'Image also for debugging purposes adds! (:-))

As Chairman Mao used to say: "In a word, while the prospects are bright, 
the road has twists and turns." (:-))

-- 
Regards,
Dmitry A. Kazakov
http://www.dmitry-kazakov.de