Name
Symbol -- object defined as a distinct global id constant
Synopsis
//
// Symbol -- object defined as a distinct global id constant
//
@deftype Symbol
CREATING
+ create: aZone setName: (char *)name;
- (void) setName: (char *)name;
@end
Description
A Symbol is an object created with a fixed name. It has no behavior
except to get the name with which it was created. A Symbol is
typically used to define unique id values which are assigned to global
constant names. These names, capitalized according to the recommended
convention for global object constants, are used by some libraries as
flags or enumerated value codes in arguments or return values of
messages.
Ordinarily, a symbol is created with its character string name
matching the global id constant to which it is assigned. These global
program constants can then provide a minimal level of self
documentation as objects. Subtypes of Symbol can extend the base of a
named, global id constant to establish further components of a global,
constant definition.
Inherited behavior
A symbol is fully creatable using standard Create messages. A
character string name must be supplied for any new symbol; there is no
default. Symbol inherits the getName
message, which returns the symbol name.
Create combination messages
CREATING
+ create: aZone setName: (char *)name;
create:setName: is a combination message defined as a caller
convenience. See combination messages for a
summary of conventions on combination messages.
Create-time options
CREATING
- (void) setName: (char *)name;
The Name option may be set only at create time. Its value is a
null-terminated character string that remains fixed for the life of
the object. The inherited getName message returns this name from a
created instance.
Roger Burkhart <rmb@santafe.edu>
Last modified: