RE: [sv-bc] Function return values

Dave,

> I hope that I never see anyone depend on the static value of 
> a function name, or the static value of output arguments
> to tasks and functions. 

The implied chastisement is understood and accepted :-)

I couldn't agree more with you, but there's no doubt that the
static nature of Verilog tasks and functions *could* be put
to good use, with enough care.  So people did it, and for my
own part as a trainer I have always tried to be as clear-
headed as possible about it with students; there's no point
in skating over something that's out there and represents
a serious trap for the unwary.

In practice, I have always avoided relying on the static
value of a function name, or of task arguments; it's just
too opaque for my taste.  Static local variables in a
subprogram, though, are valuable in traditional Verilog.

> It too bad we can't switch the default lifetime to automatic. 

It *is*, for classes; and we can easily declare programs
to be automatic.  So it's feasible and appropriate to 
move forward cleanly, once you've embraced the brave new
software-like world.

"Everything is static" was a key unifying principle of 
Verilog; much of what I found difficult about the language
suddenly became clear once I'd grasped that.  One of the
real strengths of SV is that it's contrived to build its
dynamic universe on top of that Verilog heritage whilst
retaining full backward compatibility.
-- 
Jonathan Bromley, Consultant

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