RE: [sv-bc] parameterized structures

Brad,

Java doesn't support parameterized classes (or template classes). It
supports generic classes, which are conceptually addressing a similar
need, but generic classes are limited to only class type parameters
(i.e., handles). SV's model is closer to C++ templates and is much more
powerful (and complex to implement). We could consider Java generics,
but I believe they will offer only a partial solution.

	Arturo

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-sv-bc@eda-stds.org [mailto:owner-sv-bc@eda-stds.org] On
Behalf Of Brad Pierce
Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 10:44 AM
To: sv-bc@verilog.org
Subject: Re: [sv-bc] parameterized structures


>> Java probably serves better than C++ as a guide to intuition about SV
>> classes.
>
>So I hear, but I hardly know Java.

It's easy to exaggerate the similarities between SV and Java.  For
example, Java has generic collections like the SV linked lists in Annex
D, but not fully parameterized types.

Also Java didn't add special-purpose syntax for unions, enums or
structs.

But it might be easier for SV to enhance such syntax if the semantics
were defined in terms of the more general concept of classes.

-- Brad