Re: [q-lang-users] RFC: Conditional syntax

[Keith T. <kaz...@ea...>]

Albert Graef wrote:
> I like those. "choose" seems to be a bit too generic, though, and thus 
> it might collide with user definitions (I actually have a few programs 
> where I use that for nondeterministic choice). That also rules out 
> "test", I guess. But "branch" seems to be ok.

Hmmm...decisions, decisions. Eureka! How about "decide":

***    abs X    = decide (X<0, -X; true, X);

OTOH, I like "branch". I also liked "select", but it is already spoken for. If you like "pick", then I also suggest that you have a look at "take":

***    abs X    = take (X<0, -X; true, X);

Nevermind...I consulted the Q language reference; "take" has been taken. Hmmm...

I formally renounce all of my previous (silly) suggestions, e.g., "co_op". The nominee "mbr" was not mine, but after the dread "cancer of the semicolon", there comes the dark spectre of the "vowel-less bowel". ;-)

As for your latest nominee, "ifcond":

***    abs X    = ifcond (X<0, -X; true, X);

This one looks a little clunky, but it does possess _symmetry_ with "cond" and "ifelse". I do admire symmetry.

So, to sum up my (sticking with the colon jokes, "distended" ;-) two-cents:

1. ifcond    *** my favorite (fickle man that I am) ***
2. branch
3. decide

Cheers,
Keith