Re: [Freemarker-devel] Re: [FreeMarker-user] More flexible syntax, a very simple step.

[Daniel D. <dd...@fr...>]

Monday, August 22, 2005, 7:51:37 AM, Jonathan Revusky wrote:

> Jeremy Chone wrote:
>> Hi, 
>> 
>> First, I am happy this will will get solved. However, I would prefer
>> to see a more coherent notation between the opening and closing
>> directive syntax (similar to today's FM notation). I understand that
>> just replacing the '<' by '#' or '@' would solve the XML parser issue,
>> however, I do think it will be confusing for people since the '>' will
>> remain. I also think it will be harder for new FM users.
>
> Well, how would you feel about replacing that > with : so that one can
> write:
>
> ##if condition :
>   ...
> /#if
>
> (since neither the opening < or closing > seems particularly necessary
> in </#if> anyway.)

I think that the closing > is necessary. How do you tell where is the
end of the end-tag otherwise?

>> I think some of your your previous suggestions were easier. BTW, would
>> it be possible to replace the pair '<' and '>' rather than just one of
>> them. For example, we can replace them by '[' and ']', or by '(' and
>> ')', or even '{' and '}'. BTW, althought '[' ']' might be the most
>> appropriate, it might cause some issues with some wiki parsers.
>
> Well, the syntax:
>
> [#if condition]
>     ...
> [/#if]
>
> definitely is possible also. Probably most people would find it odd on
> first contact, but probably one could get used to looking at that pretty
> easily.

There was an assumption that one will chose the alternative syntax if he
has problems with <, so I think for those people replacing <> with []
will be quite natural and understandable.

> Maybe it is the cleanest alternative idea. I'm not sure.
>
>
> JR

-- 
Best regards,
 Daniel Dekany