12.2.2 Memory allocation

The command-line option ‘-y’ (see -y) is used to change the default allocation for a dynamic array. The arrays have a one- or two-character abbreviation denoted by aa. Some error messages will use this abbreviation when suggesting that one increase a default allocation. To query the present allocations of variable aa, just say ‘-yaa’. To query everything, say ‘-y’.

This whole scheme is somewhat annoying. In most cases, dynamic arrays should be reallocated automatically. That can be done without too much difficulty, but I was reluctant to try it for Version 1.61 in fear of breaking something. Please wait for the year 2000.

If one uses ‘-y’ to examine the maximum permitted values of these parameters, one will note the magic number 10239 appearing occasionally. This number is a bit less than 64K/5; it is a signature of an inherently 32-bit design that goes back to Knuth. Unfortunately, this number can’t be increased without some radical redesign. Wait for the year 2100.