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Re: Removing -frwitable-strings
On Dec 19, 2003, at 6:56 AM, Paul Koning wrote:
So, what's wrong with removing the flag (with a one version lag via
depreciation, if desired -- though I would not push for that) and
letting people fix the bugs that are hidden by this flag, instead?
Because the bugs that are "hidden" by this flag may not be obvious, especially if the code has compiled fine for several years and does not really have maintainers.
The problem with just removing this flag is that there is no compile-time indication of the faulty code, and the bug may be a little-used path, and the developer who has to track it down may not even know anything about it.
I spent several days tracking one of these down once. I had not been aware of gcc's default behavior.
I am not saying that it should not be removed, but anybody who is using it needs to do a thorough audit and testing cycle to convince themselves that they don't have any lingering problems.
Syd Polk
Apple Computer
Technology EPM, Mac OS X Development Tools
+1 408 974-0577