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in reply to Re^11: XS: returning a 64-bit unsigned int?
in thread XS: returning a 64-bit unsigned int?

Can you imagine the utility of passing @ISA (or any of the other special arrays) into a subroutine that is going to populate the passed array with random integers?

So I re-phrase my question to avoid your deliberate "misunderstanding": How many of those examples of magical scalars could be encountered, embedded within an ordinary array?

But I Know you knew what I meant. It's pointless discussing with you when you go into your defence-at-all-costs mode.

If there were never any circumstances when it was appropriate to not deal with magic, then there would be no need for all the *_nomg versions of the apis -- but they exist.

Knowing when to choose the appropriate tool for the job, rather than blindly catering for every known possibility no matter how remote, is (should be) part and parcel of the programmer's skill set.

Travel insurance is a good idea, but you don't take it out for every walk to the shops.


Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

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Re^13: XS: returning a 64-bit unsigned int?
by ikegami (Patriarch) on Sep 27, 2011 at 20:41 UTC

    How many of those examples of magical scalars could be encountered, embedded within an ordinary array?

    By definition, isn't an ordinary array one that's not special?

    Can you imagine the utility of passing @ISA (or any of the other special arrays) into a subroutine that is going to populate the passed array with random integers?

    Wow! You got me! Oh wait, it was already decided that magic wouldn't be checked in this case.

    I resent your false insinuations.