do ... while loop

[Gordon McMillan]

Gerrit Holl writes:

[Tim Peters]
> > ... The usual Python idiom
> > for:
> > 
> >     do {
> >         xxx;
> >         yyy;
> >     } while (condition);
> > 
> > is simply:
> > 
> >     while 1:
> >         xxx
> >         yyy
> >         if not condition:
> >             break
> 
> Huh?
> Why don't use the following code:
> 
> while condition:
>     xxx
>     yyy
> 
> I don't understand the difference.

At entry, condition is unknown.
 
> > The criminally insane sometimes write the last line instead as:
> > 
> >         if not condition: break
> > 
> > but putting it on separate lines (as God intended) is key to
> > making the idiom instantly (after you're used to it -- about
> > two days) recognizable for what it is.
> 
> I'll change my code. As far as I remember, this isn't mentioned
> in Guido's style guide; am I right?

Tim is exaggerating. This is about as naughty as using the 
wrong fork (ie, your typical American has a 50% chance of 
doing it right).

only-one-pitchfork-at-my-trough-ly y'rs

- Gordon