Question

A common argument in favor of dynamic scoping is that it allows reuse and customization of subroutines. Suppose we have a subroutine print_integer,

which can print its input in a variety of basis (binary, decimal, hexadecimal, etc.) Usually, we want to use decimal, and so we do not want to always
have to specify decimal. Instead, we want to default to decimal, and, in the rare case we want hexadecimal, we will write the following code:
print_base : integer := 16
print_integer(n)
The counterargument is that there are usually other ways to achieve the same effect without dynamic scoping. Describe at least two ways without dynamic typing to be able to print integers in a variety of bases, while allowing print_integer(n) to print n in decimal notation.

Answer 1

To print integers in various bases without using dynamic scoping, one can use default parameters, function overloading, or pass a configuration object to the subroutine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with the concept of dynamic scoping as it applies to subroutine call behavior in programming and discusses alternatives to achieve similar flexibility without using dynamic scoping.

One way to print integers in various bases without using dynamic scoping is to use default parameters. For example, the print_integer function could be defined with a parameter that specifies the base, and this parameter could have a default value of 10 for decimal. This approach allows the user to call print_integer(n) to print in decimal, or use print_integer(n, 16) to print in hexadecimal.

Another approach is to use function overloading. This could involve defining multiple versions of the print_integer function, each with different signatures. The version without parameters defaults to decimal, whereas other overloaded functions could require a base parameter.

Lastly, a configuration object or settings structure that contains the desired base could be passed to the function. This object would hold the base to be used for printing and would allow the function to adapt its output format accordingly.