SINGLETON VARIABLE
\sˈɪŋɡə͡ltən vˈe͡əɹɪəbə͡l], \sˈɪŋɡəltən vˈeəɹɪəbəl], \s_ˈɪ_ŋ_ɡ_əl_t_ə_n v_ˈeə_ɹ_ɪ__ə_b_əl]\
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A variable which is only referred to once in apiece of code, probably because of a programming mistake. Tobe useful, a variable must be set and read from, in thatorder. If it is only referred to once then it cannot be bothset and read.There are various exceptions. C-like assignmentoperators, e.g. "x += y", read and set x and return its newvalue (they are abbreviations for "x = x+y", etc). Afunction argument may be passed only for the sake ofuniformity or to support future enhancements. A goodcompiler or a syntax checker like lint should reportsingleton variables but also allow specific instances to bemarked as deliberate by the programmer.
By Denis Howe
Word of the day
Platidiam
- An inorganic water-soluble platinum complex. After undergoing hydrolysis, it reacts DNA produce both intra interstrand crosslinks. These crosslinks appear to impair replication and transcription of DNA. The cytotoxicity cisplatin correlates with cellular arrest in G2 phase cell cycle.