[Python-Dev] PEP 308: "then" "else" for deprecating "and" "or" side effects

[Erik Max Francis]

Stephen Horne wrote:

> I disagree with this. It sounds like the old 'sufficiency' argument -
> for example "you shouldn't have a subtract operator because addition
> and negation are sufficient".
> 
> What makes mathematics powerful is not the same as what makes complex
> programs readable and maintainable. If you ask the average person
> which they are least able to follow, they will typically say algebra
> or calculus rather than English for instance.

Indeed.  All control structures can be boiled down to just one with
sufficient expressivity, or even just labels and gotos.  That doesn't
mean that's a wise way to proceed in a high-level language.

-- 
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