Re: Conceptual problem solved by GOTO
Matt Lewis wrote:
> Well, we have exit right now. Should we take it out?
No.
> It's very limited in its current implementation.
Which is what structure code is, constrained for a reason. I admit it is
not easy to accept that reason because much of it is based on intangibles.
> The new label capability solves a very real
> problem, the only solution as of right now was to use flags and if statements
> to get out of nested loops.
This only appears correct. However, no matter how much code someone
refactors as a demonstration it seems an unshakable belief.
> Your fear of labels seems almost pathological.
I fear them not. No phobia. No pathology. There is a principle involved.
> I can understand being afraid
> of spaghetti code.
Don't even fear that. I use the Gordian Knot solution.
> I can understand being against inclusion of goto.
Being that it's an individual realization, the understanding probably
differs from person to person even among those that agree.
> I
> really don't understand your apparent opposition to a *structured* goto
> like exit.
Exit is essential. Look at my previous discussion of Loop...End Loop. In
my view it is much to be preferred to a multitude of different structures.
It's difficult to impress fundamental principles on others when a
lifetime of experience molded my thinking. People want to target labels
instead of being disciplined in using only structured code. It is their
privilege. In some circumstances it is unthinkable to not have the
equivalent of goto. I can't imagine a machine language without it
(Although the forth processor they came up with in the early 80's might
be an example.)
Once you change EXIT from 'skip to the end' to 'skip to where ever' you
open pandora's box. I don't fear it. I believe there is a better way
and being a good neighbor wish to share it with others. So I try to
make my case. Perhaps I can or perhaps not. Should I not try?
I'm not sure what more I can say. Do I make any sense at all?
Again, I'm not telling others what to do. I am trying to persuade.
I believe the result is better with structured code. Others are
free to disagree. I am not unmoved by the arguments for including
labels. I don't think they are evil. I know how they can be used.
Did I mention how much I like Euphoria and wouldn't waste my time
if I didn't? If I fear anything, I fear losing the elegance that
was Euphoria.
Beauty in Euphoria is more than skin deep. I don't want it to go
ugly to the bone! But I'm just one guy, beholdin' with one eye.
Perhaps that's too harsh. I can live with whatever. If I ever find
my code needs a label I will shout it from the rooftops. YMMV.
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." - Richard Feynman
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