[latined52]

This week in C++ Intro class we are discussing unions.
I do not understand why this concept is still discussed.
With (most) computers having sufficient amount of RAM available aren't unions obsolete?

I have almost no programming knowledge, so please let me know if my thinking is wrong.

Thanks

[Ticon]

It can be helpful when dealing with microprocessors where you have very little space.

edit: also alot of legacy things are still discussed. Just because they are old doesn't mean you shouldn't know about them

This post has been edited by Ticon: 17 January 2013 - 04:16 PM

[BetaWar]

Also, you have to remember that they are useful, if not in what you are programming quite possibly in something lower-level.

For instance, if you wanted to store an RGBA color as a single integer, but still be able to get each of the channels out quickly and easily, a union would do all the extra work for you.