Reference values are a powerful feature of C++ but I find they have one significant detractor. A developer can not look at an API call and determine if a parameter is being passed by reference or value (VB has the same problem).

IComparable(Of T) is an interface saying “I can compare myself to other objects of the same type”. And IComparer(Of T) is an interface saying “I can compare two objects of this type.”. Often API’s which need to perform comparisons will take an instance of IComparer(Of T) instead of IComparable(Of T).

In an effort to post more often and with greater effect, I’ve been trying to divide my posts into short, targeted posts and longer in depth posts. Thus far my short posts aren’t nearly as short as I’d like them to be and end up being much closer to my in depth postings in length.

One API that seems to be missing from List(Of T) is a BinaryInsert method. Especially since there is already a BinarySearch method.

I’ve been busy lately and neglected my series on Active Objects. It’s been a fairly busy time for me both in and out of work. Enough excuses, back to the fun.