Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:46:47 -0800, Andrei Alexandrescu wrote: > The argument could go both ways: > > "Organize the set of 2-char strings starting with 'c' and ending with > 'a' to 'z' into a structured haystack, then look for substrings of > "conoco" in that haystack." > > versus > > "Given the unstructured haystack conoco, look for a structured needle in > it that is any 2-char string starting with 'c' and ending with 'a' to 'z'." > > What is the most natural way?
I think calling a regex a 'haystack' is a far-fetched metaphor. A haystack is a pile of stuff, and a needle is a precise thing you're looking for. I think they're unambiguous. Also, the in operator doesn't leave you guessing whether you should put a haystack or a needle first.
