Re: [boost] Formal review request: static size matrix/vector linear algebra library (Boost) LA

Subject: Re: [boost] Formal review request: static size matrix/vector linear algebra library (Boost) LA
From: Jeffrey Bosboom (jbosboom_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-02-05 11:43:12

DE wrote:
> looking at traits class specialization i have a question:
> is there a reason defining integral constants as following?
> 
>   static cont int dim = 42;
> 
> i mean if you do not take address of that member a better solution
> (imho) is to define an anonymous enum like
> 
>   enum {
>     dim = 42
>   };
> 
> or in one line
> 
>   enum { dim = 42 };
> 
> rather than defining a global object
> 

An optimizing compiler will perform constant propagation, substituting 
the value of the variable (in this case, 42) everywhere it is used.  If 
the address of the variable is never taken, the compiler need not 
actually have a memory location to hold it.

--Jeffrey Bosboom