1237cf58aab2
c_echo



Hello Bob - 

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BS> This seems like a good time to remind folks of one of the
BS> oldest C programming "tricks"... When doing comparisons,
BS> always put the constant on the left side of the expression.
BS> For inequality and greater/less than comparisons, it makes
BS> no difference, but it sure does when testing for equality! 

BS> Since using "=" when you mean "==" is one of the most
BS> common mistakes (usually, it's a typo and is even made by
BS> experienced C programmers), putting the constant on the
BS> left changes the compiler's action from a warning to an
BS> error. 

BS> if (x == 6) /* what you mean */ 

BS> if (x = 6) /* warning, possible unintended assignment */ 

BS> if (6 = x) /* error, assignment to a constant */ 

BS> During early stages of testing, it's not uncommon to turn
BS> down the warning level a bit or to simply ignore warnings
BS> if the program appears to compile properly. This particular
BS> little typo can therefore quite easily slip past you
BS> depending on the context and the specifics of your test
BS> data. 

All good/useful information, thanks. 

>        ,                          ,
>      o/      Charles.Angelich      \o       ,
>       __o/
>     / >          USA, MI           < \   __\__
 

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