>So mixins are just a sub-class [pun intended] of sub-classing? > >I've just found this: > >[quote] >A mixin class is a parent class that is inherited from - but not as >a means of specialization. Typically, the mixin will export services to a >child class, but no semantics will be implied about the child "being a >kind of" the parent. >[end quote] > >from http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?MixIn > >Is that all they are? > >It is amazing how you can take the simplest concept, and by using >appropriate terminology, make it as confusing and opaque as you want... > >*wink* >
"A mixin is an atomic unit in an object-oriented language that adds functionality to another class." - http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flex/1/mixin/ mixin2.html#118542 The only experience I've had with mixins is in Python, where UserDict has a class DictMixin that defines the full dictionary interface from a minimal subset of dictionary methods. The Python docs don't define mixin. I just assumed this was a case where a programmer needed a name more descriptive than foo, so he called it mixin, and that stuck. :) - Connelly Barnes -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list