Multi-method

In all languages supporting OOP, there is a way to make the subroutine
called can depend on the dynamic type of one of its parameter (for
example, in C++, virtual function member). In some (CLOS comes to
mind), it is possible to make the subroutine called on the dynamic
type of several parameters.


In the first case, the use of "vtable" allows to have an efficient way
of making this dispatch, even in the context of separate compilation
(at the cost of constraining the possible types).


Is there such a technique allowing to dispatch on the type of several
parameters
        - in time proportionnal to the number of dispatching parameter
        - in such a way that independant compilation is possible.


The use of something like the visitor pattern has the first
characteristic but not the second (you have to know all the possible
types for all the dispatching parameter but one).


Yours,
--
Jean-Marc

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