nu.kanga.list.mud-dev

7371: [MUD-Dev] Re: let's call it a spellcraft

According to Jon A. Lambert:
> Message-Id: <199809240523.AAA14210@dfw-ix10.ix.netcom.com>
> Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 01:23:59 -5
> In-reply-to: <19980923004201.B18928@flagstaff.Princeton.EDU>

> I agree,  we should always attempt an implementation  in terms 0, 1 
> and many(unknown/infinity/X).  There are exceptions and instances 
> where we must pay homage at some level to the failings of our 
> silicon, but these should be rare and abstracted if possible.   
> 
> It begs the question, "Is the fixed dimensional array evil?"

Ultimately, yes. If even you say that it doesn't make sense to do it
variable because of, say, the OS limitations - who says the OS is gonna be
there forever? (side note: WORA...)

Typical consequences of the "numerical mindset":

8.3 filesystem
Y2K problem in multiple variants (including Unix Y2038)
buffer overflow bug (LINGERING FOR DECADES!!!)

Draw your conslusions...

> --/*\ Jon A. Lambert

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Vadim Tkachenko <vt@freehold.crocodile.org>
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UNIX _is_ user friendly, he's just very picky about who his friends are