From: dblack@...
Date: 2007-08-17T21:51:52+09:00
Subject: Re: Does singleton variables have any meaning ?

Hi --

On Fri, 17 Aug 2007, Arno J. wrote:

> unknown wrote:
>> Singleton classes are classes.
>
> Yes, I was just trying to make a slight difference, just like we don't
> say "variables" but "instance variables", while both are variables :)
>
>> All of these things are instance variables. The only reason to use a
>> longer name is to make it clear in usage where someone might not know
>> what you mean. If you've got an instance variable of #<Class:A>, you
>> will almost certain describe as "an instance variable of the singleton
>> class of the class A", or something like that. There's almost
>> certainly no need to create a separate term for it.
>
> I couldn't agree more ! You even almost quoted me (I said "All three
> variables are instance variables").
> And I also agree about your "longer name" explanation 100% : I invented
> the term "singleton variable", but I thought it would be as clear as
> your "instance variable of the singleton class of the class A", but
> obviously I was wrong :)

Luckily these particular instance variables almost never occur so
there's probably not too much at stake either way :-)


David

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