Robert Fraser wrote: > BCS wrote: >> Reply to Robert, >> >> >>> Hmm... I'd say x.⊆(y) is preferable x.isSubsetOf(y), but it's not a >>> huge deal. >>> >> >> Only until you have to type it. I think universal alpha includes only >> the union of things that can be easily typed on standard keyboards. I >> don't think any keyboard (ok maybe an APL keyboard) has the subset >> symbol on it. > > I have 10 configurable keys on my keyboard, none of which are in use. I > could also remap my numpad (cause, seriously, who uses this?) Also, many > editors can be configured so that a sequence of characters converts to a > single one.
Which would possibly make D the first language to *require* a specialised keyboard and/or editor since APL. Not a good precedent. Oh, and don't try to argue it isn't mandatory. If you can overload those operators, people WILL use them and WILL complain that it's too hard. > There appears to be no reason that mathematical symbols aren't allowed > in identifiers... Think of how awesome it would be to write > assert(x⊇y→∀a∈x∃b∈y(a⊇b)) ... Okay, that would require overloading of > those operators (and instantiating variables in a new way), but still! I think that example you gave is an excellent reason not to allow them. :D It would be nice, but it's really not feasible without widespread editor and/or keyboard support for extra symbols, which I just don't see happening.