[Python-Dev] Re: comprehension abbreviation (was: Adding any() and all())

[Jim Jewett]

Gareth McCaughan wrote:
> Some bit of my brain is convinced that [x in stuff if condition]
> is the Right Syntax and keeps making me type it even though
> I know it doesn't work.

(and I agree with Gareth)


On Monday 2005-03-14 12:42, Eric Nieuwland wrote:
> The full syntax is:
> [ f(x) for x in seq if pred(x) ]
> being allowed to write 'x' instead of 'identity(x)' is already a 
> shortcut, just as dropping the conditional part.

I think this is the heart of the disagreement.

Mentally, I'm not collecting some function of x (which happens
to be identity).  I am filtering an existing set.  Being able to
collect f(x) instead is just a useful but hackish shortcut.

Gareth again:
> and in fact no set theorist would be at all troubled by seeing

>    { x in S : predicate(x) }

> which is the nearest equivalent in mathematical notation
> for the abbreviated comprehension expressions being discussed.

Again, I agree.  I think that is what I am unconsciously writing,
by translating the ":" into "if"

-jJ