From: Robert Dober <robert.dober@...>
Date: 2007-03-12T21:41:44+09:00
Subject: Re: #define alternative for Ruby

On 3/12/07, Timothy Hunter <TimHunter@nc.rr.com> wrote:
> Mike wrote:
> > Just try to implement:
> > set_default(var, val)
> > -- if variable "var" is not defined (not existed) then assign value
> > "val"
> >
>
> I'd like to point out that you can't do that with #define, since C
> macros are processed before the compiler runs, and whether or not "var"
> is defined is not known until the compiler runs.
>
>
Although I am against macros it might be worth pointing out that of
course it can be done

#define MYDEFINE var val \
 var = val unless defined? var

forgive me if the syntax is incorrect.
The Ruby interpreter will not see the macro and vice versa.

BTW on Linux I guess you can always use gcc to preprocess files anyway, but
STAY AWAY FROM THIS.

Sorry for shouting, but I wanted to be heared ;)
Cheers
Robert

-- 
We have not succeeded in answering all of our questions.
In fact, in some ways, we are more confused than ever.
But we feel we are confused on a higher level and about more important things.
-Anonymous