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13.2 Pragma Pack

1
   [A pragma Pack specifies that storage minimization should be the main criterion when selecting the representation of a composite type.]

Syntax

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The form of a pragma Pack is as follows:
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  pragma Pack(first_subtype_local_name);

Legality Rules

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   The first_subtype_local_name of a pragma Pack shall denote a composite subtype.

Static Semantics

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   {representation pragma (Pack) [partial]} {pragma, representation (Pack) [partial]} {aspect of representation (packing) [partial]} {packing (aspect of representation)} {packed} A pragma Pack specifies the packing aspect of representation; the type (or the extension part) is said to be packed. For a type extension, the parent part is packed as for the parent type, and a pragma Pack causes packing only of the extension part.
5.a
Ramification: The only high level semantic effect of a pragma Pack is independent addressability (see 9.10, ``Shared Variables'').

Implementation Advice

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   If a type is packed, then the implementation should try to minimize storage allocated to objects of the type, possibly at the expense of speed of accessing components, subject to reasonable complexity in addressing calculations.
6.a
Ramification: A pragma Pack is for gaining space efficiency, possibly at the expense of time. If more explicit control over representation is desired, then a record_representation_clause, a Component_Size clause, or a Size clause should be used instead of, or in addition to, a pragma Pack.
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   {recommended level of support (pragma Pack) [partial]} The recommended level of support for pragma Pack is:
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8.a
Ramification: The implementation can always allocate an integral number of words for a component that will not fit in a word. The rule also allows small component sizes to be rounded up if such rounding does not waste space. For example, if Storage_Unit = 8, then a component of size 8 is probably more efficient than a component of size 7 plus a 1-bit gap (assuming the gap is needed anyway).
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9.a
Ramification: If a component subtype is aliased, its Size will generally be a multiple of Storage_Unit, so it probably won't get packed very tightly.

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