Re: How to detect OS type and version?

[Ray Blaak <rAYblaaK@STRIPCAPStelus.net>]

"Jeffrey R. Carter" <spam@spam.com> writes:

> Stefan Bellon wrote:
> >    return "GNU/Linux";
> 
> Is there some reason you're using String rather than an enumerated type?

I submit that an enumerated type is the wrong thing to do. Operating systems
are not fixed, can have many sub-variants. (WinOS, Win2000, WinNT, etc.).

Simply adding a new OS to some central definition should not impact all
existing code. In practical terms people should have had an "unknown OS"
handler anyway.

It's akin to having some app that processes first names as enumerated values
instead of strings. It's a mistake because the set of values are open ended
and are not known in advance, and can change depending on where you execute.

-- 
Cheers,                                        The Rhythm is around me,
                                               The Rhythm has control.
Ray Blaak                                      The Rhythm is inside me,
rAYblaaK@STRIPCAPStelus.net                    The Rhythm has my soul.