[r6rs-discuss] [Formal] Remove the (r6rs when-unless) library

From: R. Kent Dybvig <dyb>
Date: Sun Mar 11 22:38:54 2007

I'm responding as a user/implementor, not speaking for the editors.

> This is mainly an attempt to stimulate discussion: Given that `when'
> and `unless' offer little advantage over just using `if', and given
> that their definitions are so trivial, it's unclear whether the
> benefit of having a separate library with these in the standard is
> worth the cost. As I don't use `when' and `unless', it's clear that
> they're not worth the cost to me. I wonder what others think.

The first "given" is debatable---I believe that when and unless make the
programmers intent immediately clear while one-armed if can be mistaken on
first glance for a two-armed if. when and unless also both include an
implicit begin, which is sometimes convenient.

I agree that a separate library is a bit silly. I wouldn't mind if they
were in the base library.

I wonder how many people would support eliminating one-armed if from the
language.

Kent
Received on Sun Mar 11 2007 - 22:38:18 UTC