Re: Adding const to java

Ghulam Lashari <lashari@hotmail.com> wrote:


> I have implemented "const" modifier in Java Programming Language. The
> semantics of const are similar to that of C++. I am trying to experiment if
> there is any usefulness of this modifier for example in gc etc. I am looking
> for some opinions/suggestions here about what domains of the usefulness of
> this modifier can/should be explored (for example in Virtual Machine
> runtime).


When you have registered yourself at Sun as a developer, you can access
their bug tracking database. Adding const to Java is in the top ten of
requested features in that database. If I recall correctly, the original
feature request is fairly detailed, and there is also a long discussion
of the advantages and disadvantages there from people that voted for
that feature (or didn't).


Personally, I think that its main advantage is the additional code
checking that it allows. Although I wouldn't be surprised if a smart
compiler or garbage collector could take advantage of it, I don't expect
it to have a significant impact.


Also, to be effective 'const' must also be added to the standard
library. Getting that right is a major undertaking, and may well be the
biggest hurdle to overcome.

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