Re: [PATCH] dir.c: avoid c99 array initialization

> David Kågedal wrote:
>> Brandon Casey <casey@nrlssc.navy.mil> writes:
>> 
>>> The following syntax:
>>>
>>>         char foo[] = {
>>>                 [0] = 1,
>>>                 [7] = 2,
>>>                 [15] = 3
>>>         };
>>>
>>> is a c99 construct which some compilers do not support even though they
>>> support other c99 constructs. Use an alternative.
>> 
>> But the alternative is much worse.
>
> _Much_ worse? In what way?
>
> From an execution standpoint, I don't think any more work is performed.
> Probably exactly the same amount of work.
>
> From a readability standpoint, I think it is very nearly the same in
> this case. The whole function is only 17 lines.

>> So how important is it to support non-C99 compilers?
>
> I think it is relative to the amount of effort it takes. If there is
> a demonstrated need and a trivial work around, I think it is worth
> it to support non-c99 compilers.