But it makes it so much easier to - Statically check the code, since the static analysis tool knows for certain which value is the size and can check that you'

But it makes it so much easier to - Statically check the code, since the static analysis tool knows for certain which value is the size and can check that you're using correctly. - Initialize the size correctly, since you don't have to enter it twice, or more crucially, remember to change it twice (or create a #define in another part of the file, name it, and document it) You also make an excellent point yourself about the meaning of 'size'. If this was standardized, it would be the same everywhere, minimizing the risk of ambiguity.