Re: [boost] De Bruijn Bind (alternate bind syntax) Interest?

Subject: Re: [boost] De Bruijn Bind (alternate bind syntax) Interest?
From: Stewart, Robert (Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-09-02 13:52:37

David Sankel wrote:
> 2010/9/2 Stewart, Robert <Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden]>
> > David Sankel wrote:
> > >
> > > I've been working on an alternate bind syntax based on De
> > > Bruijn indices[1].
> >
> > I started to look at the Wikipedia page, but realized there
> > was way too much for me to learn to even begin to understand
> > what you mean.  Therefore, this reference is of no value to
> > anyone without your background.
>
> It requires someone casually familiar with lambda calculus. Lambda
> calculus involves the creation of anonymous functions.
>
> ëv.e declares a new function. v is the identifier bound to
[snip explanation]
> Hopefully this helps.

It did indeed.  Thank you.

> > Presumably, "abs" doesn't mean absolute value as it would
> > in pretty much any other programming context.  That seems
> > unwise at best.
>
> I disagree. We have namespaces to take care of duplicate
> identifiers and abs is the commonly used identifier for
> lambda abstractions in programming contexts you might not be
> aware of.

I don't doubt that the name is meaningful, but it does conflict with an extremely common name which isn't necessarily even in a named namespace.  Isn't there another name you could use that wouldn't have that potential for confusion and ambiguity?

_____
Rob Stewart                           robert.stewart_at_[hidden]
Software Engineer, Core Software      using std::disclaimer;
Susquehanna International Group, LLP  http://www.sig.com

IMPORTANT: The information contained in this email and/or its attachments is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by reply and immediately delete this message and all its attachments. Any review, use, reproduction, disclosure or dissemination of this message or any attachment by an unintended recipient is strictly prohibited. Neither this message nor any attachment is intended as or should be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument. Neither the sender, his or her employer nor any of their respective affiliates makes any warranties as to the completeness or accuracy of any of the information contained herein or that this message or any of its attachments is free of viruses.