On 2024-04-22 02:13, Paul Gilmartin wrote:
On Mon, 22 Apr 2024 01:52:14 +1000, Robin Vowels wrote:o
...
One would not use as variable such common keywords as mentioned above.
The real advantage is that one doesn't need to keep in mind
all those uncommonly-used words that might be used as variable names,
somewhat the opposite. If the keywords are reserved, the processor
will
inform the programmer of misuse.
Probably, but why waste time and effort changing the program
and re-compiling?
Another advantage of unreserved words is that the addition of a new
keyword
into the language does not invalidate any existing program.
A processor can have an "oracle" that
always correctly divines the programmer's intent, as PL/I does. But
in a single Rexx program, the same symbol can be a variable in one
instruction but a keyword in the next, with no syntax error but
unexpected result.
Doesn't sound like sensible design.
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