Macros are used to make a sequence of computing instructions available to the programmer as a single program statement, making the programming task less tedious and less error-prone.[
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2answers
204 views
Why can't we declare 'extern C' for C++ macro's?
I am new to C/C++. Wanted to know why we cannot declare 'extern C' for C++ macro's similar to methods/functions...which will allow macro's defined in C++ file to be accessed in .c files.
Thanks in ...
9
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3answers
384 views
Byte code weaving vs Lisp macros
I have been reading about the libraries people have written for languages like Java and C# that make use of byte code weaving to do things like intercept function calls, insert logging code, etc. I ...
2
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2answers
221 views
Besides macros, are there any other metaprogramming techniques? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Programming languages with a Lisp-like syntax extension mechanism
I'm making a programming language, and, having spent some time in Lisp/Scheme, I feel that my language ...
16
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19answers
2k views
Programming languages with a Lisp-like syntax extension mechanism [closed]
I have only a limited knowledge of Lisp (trying to learn a bit in my free time) but as far as I understand Lisp macros allow to introduce new language constructs and syntax by describing them in Lisp ...
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1answer
144 views
Is there a way to compare and record changes to code without VCS?
I'm working for a client that has no version control system in place. I want to record changes to code without having to add all changes to a spreadsheet. I'm restricted to using Notepad++ so would a ...
13
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1answer
588 views
Why does the C library use macros and functions with same name?
I am reading 'The Standard C Library' by PJ Plauger which is really interesting. The book explains not only how to USE the library but also how it is implemented.
I have finished reading the ctype.h ...
5
votes
1answer
204 views
Lisp Macros: A practical approach
On my way to learn Lisp I have discovered the all powerful and feared so called Macros, then after spending a hard time trying to understand them and their usefulness I said to myself, I FINALLY GOT ...
17
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2answers
458 views
What are the typical applications of Lisp macros?
I am trying to learn some LISP and I have read a lot about the importance of LISP macros so I would like to get some working experience with them.
Can you suggest a practical application area that ...
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2answers
254 views
Why #pragmas are not part of the C++ standard?
Usually the problem of having possible multiple inclusions is solved with a series of #ifdef #ifndef but the pragmas just solves this with a single line, apparently they are really useful and can make ...
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2answers
199 views
Using macro as an abstraction layer
I am having a discussion with a colleague about using macro as a thin (extremely) layer of abstraction vs using a function wrapper. The example that I used is
Macro way.
#define StartOSTimer(period) ...
2
votes
3answers
143 views
What do you use macros in your editor for? [closed]
My editor of choice is Notepad++. It has macro capabilities, but as much as I think, I don't see how can I use it for anything.
Do you use macros in your editor that have made your work easier? ...
2
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1answer
601 views
Why no more macro languages?
In this answer to a previous question of mine about scripting languages suitability as shells, DigitalRoss identifies the difference between the macro languages and the "parsed typed" languages in ...
13
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5answers
747 views
How useful are Lisp macros?
Common Lisp allows you to write macros that do whatever source transformation you want.
Scheme gives you a hygienic pattern-matching system that lets you perform transformations as well. How useful ...
13
votes
5answers
2k views
Are C++ templates just a kind of glorified macros?
From different comparisons among C++ templates and C#/Java generics like this one-
...
4
votes
3answers
612 views
Is macros support in a programming language considered harmful?
The first abuse that comes to my mind in C is:
#define if while
But at the same time it is extremely handy and powerful when used correctly.
Something similar happens with Common Lisp macros.
...
18
votes
7answers
2k views
Why aren't macros included in most modern programming languages?
I know that they are implemented extremely unsafely in C/C++. Can't they be implemented in a safer way? Are the disadvantages of macros really bad enough to outweigh the massive power they provide?
