[Python-ideas] Simpler syntax for basic iterations

[Ben Finney]

Luciano Ramalho <luciano at ramalho.org>
writes:

> That's the classic formula for drawing an N-sided polygon in Logo. N
> can be any positive integer. Maybe this is clearer:
>
> for 3:  # draw a triangle
>     fd(100)
>     lt(120)

Thank you, yes it's much clearer because you're not doing exactly the
same division multiple times.


So, to follow your clarification, this::

    for __ in range(3):
        forward(100)
        turn_left(120)

already works and is quite clear (though, again, I don't claim it will
convince you).

> It is quite clear for us. When teaching the first steps of programming
> to kids with the Turtle module, `for x in range(n):` leaves us in the
> unfortunate position of having to say: "we won't use that x for
> anything, and I can't explain what range this until much later..."

Yes, the fact you weren't using it confused me too :-)

Which is why we advocate a name, ‘__’, that stands out and is used only
for dummy assignment.

-- 
 \         “How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have |
  `\                        some hope of making progress.” —Niels Bohr |
_o__)                                                                  |
Ben Finney