The word
global is used in declaring variables in some languages such as
Tcl and
Python to indicate that the variable being referred to is shared with the variable of the same name at the top scope.
To use the word global, which implies that the declaration makes the variable visible everywhere, is misleading
The word
enable is used in places such as the
Apache http server build process to request that a facility is included within the build.
But it does not mean that the facility is actually switched on and usable when the build has been done - other quite separate configuration work is needed to truly enable it!
I have some sympathy with the people who have to come up with words to describe what these words actually do - I'm not sure if I would have done any better; I do know that I have to be very careful when explaining "Global" and "Enable" on our courses.
(written 2009-11-30, updated 2009-12-09)
Associated topics are indexed as below, or enter http://melksh.am/nnnn for individual articles
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[294] Python generator functions, lambdas, and iterators - (2005-04-28)
[303] Lambdas in Python - (2005-05-06)
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[418] Difference between import and from in Python - (2005-08-18)
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[775] Do not duplicate your code - (2006-06-23)
[821] Dynamic functions and names - Python - (2006-08-03)
[900] Python - function v method - (2006-10-20)
[912] Recursion in Python - (2006-11-02)
[913] Python - A list of methods - (2006-11-03)
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[1134] Function / method parameters with * and ** in Python - (2007-04-04)
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[1202] Returning multiple values from a function (Perl, PHP, Python) - (2007-05-24)
[1464] Python Script - easy examples of lots of basics - (2007-12-08)
[1784] Global - Tcl, PHP, Python - (2008-09-03)
[1790] Sharing variables with functions, but keeping them local too - Python - (2008-09-09)
[1869] Anonymous functions (lambdas) and map in Python - (2008-11-04)
[1870] What to do with a huge crop of apples - (2008-11-04)
[1871] Optional and named parameters in Python - (2008-11-05)
[1879] Dynamic code - Python - (2008-11-11)
[2011] Conversion of OSI grid references to Eastings and Northings - (2009-01-28)
[2439] Multiple returns from a function in Python - (2009-10-06)
[2440] Optional parameters to Python functions - (2009-10-07)
[2481] Sample code with errors in it on our web site - (2009-10-29)
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[2718] Python - access to variables in the outer scope - (2010-04-12)
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[4719] Nesting decorators - (2016-11-02)
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[4724] From and Import in Python - where is the module loaded from? - (2016-11-06)
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[409] Functions and commands with dangerous names - (2005-08-11)
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[1068] ls -l report, Linux / Unix - types and permssions - (2007-02-06)
[1132] Well House Manor, Melksham, Art Gallery - (2007-04-02)
[1237] What proportion of our web traffic is robots? - (2007-06-19)
[1307] Troy, up state New York - (2007-08-17)
[1375] Python v Ruby - (2007-10-02)
[1475] Tcl/Tk - updating your display while tasks are running - (2007-12-16)
[1521] Evening drive across the roof of Wiltshire - (2008-01-27)
[1621] Linux and Java Course in London - (2008-04-24)
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[1751] Public Training Course Dates until July 2009 - (2008-08-13)
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[526] Apache httpd - serving web documents from different directories - (2005-12-12)
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[1455] Connecting to MySQL 5 from PHP on Mac OSX Leopard - (2007-12-03)
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[1945] Summary - Apache httpd build on Linux - (2008-12-14)
[2080] Using ApacheBench and jconsole to test and monitor Tomcat - (2009-03-14)
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Some other Articles
An update on legal changes from the FSB?Plan your application before you startIntegrated public Transport - what could be done for MelkshamMelksham Market - Tuesdays, 09:00 to 14:00Global and Enable - two misused words!Status Page / breaks of service in early DecemberThrough the archesBlogging accuracy - open invitation for any correctionsWhy we have two buses an hour - but not a half hourly serviceThe road show has been - where now?