[r6rs-discuss] Confusing taxonomy of identifiers

From: Keith Wright <r6rsguy>
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:35:20 -0400

R5.96, Page 17, section 5.2

> ... an identifer may name a kind of syntax, or it may name a
> location ...

Is that meant to be an exhaustive or exclusive list?

> An identifier that names a kind of syntax is called a keyword
> An identifier that names a location is called a variable

So there are two kinds of identifier. But then:

> A variable that names a subform in a syntactic abstraction is called
> a pattern variable

Substituting the definition of "variable" we have:

?> (An identifier that names a location) that names a subform in a
?> syntactic abstraction...

So a pattern variable names both a location and a subform.

Is a subform in a syntactic abstraction a kind of syntax?
I guess yes, and so a pattern variable is both a
keyword and a variable. I think I am off the track.
Maybe I should guess no, or maybe it is a typographic
error in the Report. Help!

  -- Keith
Received on Thu Jun 28 2007 - 20:35:20 UTC