I imagine the parent meant something like this: if (x > maximum) { it = maximum; // 'it' refers to x } As for a hypothetical useage, I imagine

I imagine the parent meant something like this: if (x > maximum) { it = maximum; // 'it' refers to x } As for a hypothetical useage, I imagine it would make refactoring easier in some places, but could also open code up to potential errors (accidentally referenced another variable? 'it' suddenly changes and you didn't notice!)