Our discussion of data models has thus far focused on simple scalar types (numbers, functions, etc.). In an earlier homework, you added list handing to the primitive functions, but you probably didn't think much at that point about data models.
One question that arises when working with aggregate data (arrays, structures, objects, etc.) is whether references to the data refer to the entire structure as a block or simply to a pointer to the structure.
Questions to consider:
Ask yourself what happens in these situations for different aggregate types in C++, Java, Pascal, Scheme and any other languages you are familiar with. Please come to class prepared to discuss these questions as they apply to different languages and types.
The effect of different types of parameter passing under different aggregate data models is discussed in Dr. Windley's lecture on Aggregate Data.
Last updated at 4:06 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2005.