Is there any reason to use the 'auto' keyword in C++03?

Question

Note this question was originally posted in 2009, before C++11 was ratified and before the meaning of the auto keyword was drast

Answer 1

I use this keyword to explicitly document when it is critical for function, that the variable be placed on the stack, for stack-based processors. This function can be required when modifying the stack prior to returning from a function (or interrupt service routine). In this case I declare:

auto unsigned int auiStack[1];   //variable must be on stack

And then I access outside the variable:

#define OFFSET_TO_RETURN_ADDRESS 8     //depends on compiler operation and current automatics
auiStack[OFFSET_TO_RETURN_ADDRESS] = alternate_return_address;

So the auto keyword helps document the intent.