Script Limits in 2.8.0 [was Spreadsheet]

[Roger.E.Eller at sealedair.com]

>Roger.E.Eller wrote:
>> Certain application types need this flexibility such as AI. My
>> preference would be either the removal of the limitation completely
>> or to expand it to 25 lines (or more). It would still be limiting
>> enough to prevent mischievous persons from stealing RRs business,
>> yet broad enough that most developers could accomplish their
>> goals when longer dynamic scripts are really needed.

Richard Gaskin wrote:
> Can you describe the algorithms that need self-modifying code, and how
> those are handled in compiled languages like C?
>
> What's happening in those 15 extra lines that makes the difference in
> usefulness?

I don't do C, and have no idea where to begin with compiled languages. My
background is in HC, followed by VMS DCL scripts (fully self-modifyable),
and then Revolution. I must admit that moving to Rev made me feel "at home"
again with scripting. I can remember making a 3000 line handler in VMS-DCL
that was constantly rewriting itself based on a multitude of system events
that it was monitoring. I actually named my script "demon seed" based on
the old sci-fi thriller where the computer became self-aware and figured
out how to create a life-form for its consciousness. Yeah, I think I'll
need at least 25 lines for that. ;D

> I'll bet some of the folks here can find a solution that's at least
> workable, possibly even more efficient and easier to maintain than the
> caveats and migraines traditionally associated with self-modifying code.
>   ;)

I wish I had an example to put out there for the list to dissect. I too
enjoy watching the code change as it is molded into better form by the pros
on this list. The last time I created self-modifying scripts in Rev, I
stayed within the 10 line limit without a problem. The disadvantage I found
was that returning to the code a few years later, it was difficult to
follow what was happening. I have to be in that "zone of consciousness"
where you are so focussed that you ARE the machine. Writing the code just
flows, and it all just seems so clear. I've been known to forget to eat
while in the zone. Then you go to a few meetings and the flow stops and it
seems impossible to regain the zone. I'm sure you all have been there. I
love the zone.

>  Richard Gaskin
>  Fourth World Media Corporation

Roger Eller <roger.e.eller at sealedair.com>