[Python-Dev] Re: switch statement

[Stephen J. Turnbull]

>>>>> "Guido" == Guido van Rossum <gvanrossum at gmail.com> writes:

    Guido> You mean like this?

    if x > 0:
        ...normal case...
    elif y > 0:
        ....abnormal case...
    else:
        ...edge case...

The salient example!  If it's no accident that those conditions are
mutually exclusive and exhaustive, doesn't that code require at least
a comment saying so, and maybe even an assertion to that effect?
Where you can use a switch, it gives both, and throws in economy in
both source and object code as a bonus.

Not a compelling argument---your example shows switches are not
universally applicable---but it's a pretty good deal.

    Guido> You have guts to call that bad style! :-)

Exaggeration in defense of elegance is no vice.<wink>

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