MAKE_ARRAY question

[Paul van Delst <paul.vandelst(at)noaa.gov>]

Hi there,

I want to create an array that by default should be FLOAT but can be specified as DOUBLE
by the user as a keyword input to a function. Instead of the following:

FUNCTION my_func, n_pts, double = double

  IF ( KEYWORD_SET( double ) ) THEN $
    x = MAKE_ARRAY( n_pts, /DOUBLE, /NOZERO ) $
  ELSE $
    x = MAKE_ARRAY( n_pts, /FLOAT, /NOZERO )

.....

END


can I rely on the fact that NO type keywords to MAKE_ARRAY means default FLOAT? I.e. :

FUNCTION my_func, n_pts, double = double

  x = MAKE_ARRAY( n_pts, DOUBLE = double, /NOZERO )

.....

END


The MAKE_ARRAY documentation does not specifically state that the default array created is
a FLOAT. Does anyone know if this *is* documented anywhere so I'm not setting my function
up (which I use *a lot*) to fall in a heap when IDL 5.5+ is released and RSI happened to
decide a default LONG would be better?

Or is there some other natty way to do this?

Thanks for any help.

paulv

-- 
Paul van Delst           A little learning is a dangerous thing;
CIMSS @ NOAA/NCEP        Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring;
Ph: (301)763-8000 x7274  There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
Fax:(301)763-8545        And drinking largely sobers us again.
paul.vandelst@noaa.gov                   Alexander Pope.