General programming language support for nullable types

The subject invention relates to systems and methods that provide null capabilities within the context of programming languages. In one aspect, a system is provided that facilitates null-support in various programming languages. The system includes one or more types associated with at least one prog...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Meijer, Henriçus Johannes Maria, Hejlsberg, Anders, Gunnerson, Eric A, Katzenberger, Gary S, Hallam, Peter A, Warren, Matthew J
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 12.01.2010
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Summary:The subject invention relates to systems and methods that provide null capabilities within the context of programming languages. In one aspect, a system is provided that facilitates null-support in various programming languages. The system includes one or more types associated with at least one programming language. A type modifier is provided to signal that the type is nullable. The type modifier enables a multi-element structure to be automatically created in association with the type wherein, the multi-element structure includes the type and a Boolean element indicating whether or not the variable is null.