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
Dopamine Acetyltransferase
- An enzyme that catalyzes the of groups from acetyl-CoA to arylamines. They have wide specificity for aromatic amines, particularly serotonin, and can also catalyze acetyl transfer between arylamines without CoA. EC 2.3.1.5.