Arthur,
> > It usually does lead to erroneous readings and it is often a pointless
> > optimization.
>
>These statements are very true. However, programming languages do not only
>come with grammar, they also come with idiom. That idiom is not only made up
Yes, every language has its own look and feel.
Idiom is certainly used as a justification, for how they structure code, by
developers.
The creators and early users of C do have something to answer for.
Another reason that I did not mention was reduction in typing effort (yes,
developers
do use some kinds of structuring because it reduces the amount of typing they
have to do).
>In the case of assignments in if statements there's a powerful idiom,
>and that is if((file=fopen(file))==NULL) { handle_open_error(); }
>This makes for the least visual distraction from the main flow of the
>code, and is therefore very accepted practice.
Visual distraction? Isn't assignment an important event that is worth being
distracted for?
What is the balance between ease of reading and likelihood of making mistakes?
Does anybody know of any published research in this area?
derek
--
Derek M Jones tel: +44 (0)
1252 520 667
Knowledge Software
Ltd mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications Standards Conformance Testing http://www.knosof.co.uk
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