Re: Macro vs function was: Method to query toggle button state?

[Lars Hallberg <lah micropp se>]

On Sat, Feb 20, 1999 at 10:42:26AM +0100, Manuel M. T. Chakravarty wrote:
> 
> Actually, even a macro has its disadvantages.  Writing a
> GTK+ binding for a high-level language (one where C structs
> cannot be accessed directly, but C functions can be called
> via a foreign function interface), the lack of query
> functions is rather annoying.  I myself was wondering
> whether they are omitted by purpose or just because nobody
> bothered to implement them.  In case of the latter, I would
> be willing to supply patches.
> 
I am writing a C++ wrapper for glib and actully wish for MORE macros.

Hovever macros have sideefects so they shuld not be alowed to slip
in by suprise. I have the folowing sugestion.

For every function, foo, apropriate to be a macro, following is done:

In header file:

#define G_MACRO_foo(x) do-foo-stuff

void g_foo(x); 

In C file:

void g_foo(x)
{
   G_MACRO_foo(x);
}

In this way:

 * C programmer will newer be suprised by that a function is a macro.

 * Other language have always a real funktion to call.

 * C programmer can acces the macro when needed for speed.

 * It posable to use the macro to build an inline C++ funktion for
   effishent C++ interface.

The alterativ for a C++ wrapper if no macro is avalible is to:

 * Use the function. It is anoying to know one culd easy make it
   better (if a library can easy make it better it shuld do so).

 * Duplikate the library C code in the C++ interface and ever after
   be forced to stay in synk manuely (noooo fun)...

The only tradeof I can see is that it is slighly, but only
slighly, tidius to write first time. When all the rest in
GpLib is done I can do the work but I have to know if it
is seen as acceptable practice.

BTW

The glib C++ wrapper is updated. The 'classprotokoll' have changed and
dynamic pointer templates is added. Still want to know if I do step
on anyones toes, especily if I clach with or duplikate stuf made in
GTK--

URL:   http://www.micropp.se/gplib/

Thanks /Lars