[self-interest] Patterns in Self [was Re: delegation (was: prototypical analysis and design) ]

[Jecel Assumpcao Jr]

On Thu, 30 Nov 2000, C. Ramakrishnan wrote:
> What do you think about double dispach?  That's one of the GOF
> patterns, right... i can't remember anymore.  I think it is still
> relevant in Self, since Self doesn't have multi-methods.

The book only makes one mention of double dispatch - that it is used in
the visitor pattern. There is this comment (last line of page 339):

  "Languages that support double- or multiple dispatch lessen the need
for the Visitor pattern."

It is very tempting to add multiple dispatch to a language (see Cecil),
but it practice it is used in so few places (math for multiple number
types and graphics devices - see canvas objects in Morphic) that it
isn't worth the complication and the reduction of "objectness" in the
language. In my opinion, of course.

-- Jecel