[Python-Dev] switch statement

[Michael Selik]

First, this sounds like it belongs on python-ideas, not python-dev.
Second, when you do send a message to python-ideas, it'll help to
accompany it with a realistic example usage that motivates your
proposal.
On Fri, Sep 21, 2018 at 11:18 AM <e2qb2a44f at prolan-power.hu> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> A humble proposal for a switch-like statement syntax for Python:
>
> - - -
> switch blah in (100, 2, 30, 'bumm'):
>   dosomething1()
>   x = 88
> case blah in (44, 55):
>   otherstuff(9)
> case blah in (8):
>   boo()
> else:
>   wawa()
> - - -
>
> So, let's use, and allow only *tuples*.
> As early as possible, build a jump table, based on (foreknown) small integer values. As in other languages.
> Strings may have to be hashed (in "compile time"), to obtain small integer value. Some secondary checking may
> have to be done for exact content equality. (Alternative: do no allow strings at all.)
> For gaps in the integer range: maybe apply some very basic dividing/shifting to "compact" the range. (As
> compilers optimize in other languages, I guess -- but I may be totally wrong.) (For example find "unused bits"
> in the numbers (in 2-base representation). newnum = orignum >> 3 & 6 | orignum & ~6. newnum is smaller (roughly
> 1/8) than orignum.)
> The (achievable) goal is to be faster than hash table lookup. (A hash table with keys 100, 2, 30, 'bumm' etc.)
> And approach the speed of single array-index lookup. (Or even faster in some cases as there will be just jumps
> instead of calls?)
> (I am not an "expert"!)
>
> Let allow fallthrough or not? - To be decided. (Either is compatible with the above.)
>
>
> I know about PEP 3103 and
> https://docs.python.org/3.8/faq/design.html?highlight=switch#why-isn-t-there-a-switch-or-case-statement-in-python
>
> (I do not know how to comment on a PEP, where to discuss a PEP. If this is inappropriate place, please forward it.)
>
> --
>
>
>
>
>
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