Re^4: Control Structures

I disagree - that's not a problem with the trailing if(). That's a problem with how my() is implemented as both a compile-time and run-time actor. The trailing if() is doing exactly what it's supposed to do, which is execute the statement at run-time if the conditional is true.

The reason it's counter-intuitive is because my() is the only statement that affects the current scope with both compile-time and run-time actions. If you use a standard if-block with {}, you create a new scope and everything acts as expected.

In general, if you think something isn't in Perl, try it out, because it usually is. :-)
"What is the sound of Perl? Is it not the sound of a wall that people have stopped banging their heads against?"

Comment on Re^4: Control Structures

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Re^5: Control Structures by perrin (Chancellor) on May 10, 2005 at 16:26 UTC
Try explaining that to a mid-level perl developer or an experienced programmer who is still learning perl and watch their eyes glaze over. The problem goes away if you don't use trailing if() statements.	[reply]
Re^6: Control Structures by merlyn (Sage) on May 10, 2005 at 17:07 UTC
The problem also goes away if you remove "my", and do everything with package variables and "local". I think you're throwing the baby out with the bathwater. -- Randal L. Schwartz, Perl hacker Be sure to read my standard disclaimer if this is a reply.	[reply]
Re^6: Control Structures by dragonchild (Archbishop) on May 10, 2005 at 17:41 UTC
The problem goes away if you don't use trailing if() statements modifying my() statements. The trailing if() isn't the problem; the problem is when it's modifying a my() statement. Disallow that. Later, when they're ready, they'll ask why that specific prohibition and you'll explain it to them and they'll understand. In fact, you can almost consider that a rite of passage from journeyman to master. In general, if you think something isn't in Perl, try it out, because it usually is. :-) "What is the sound of Perl? Is it not the sound of a wall that people have stopped banging their heads against?"	[reply]
Re^7: Control Structures by wazoox (Prior) on May 10, 2005 at 22:09 UTC
I consider myself an "average" perl developer. I've never been a full-time developer, but I instantly understood the `my $xx if ()` problem when I meet it, and avoid it since then.	[reply] [d/l]
Re^7: Control Structures by perrin (Chancellor) on May 10, 2005 at 18:20 UTC
Sure, I could do it that way, but it's one more thing to remember, and since I don't actually need trailing if() for anything it's easier to just not use it. I tend to favor a coding style based on the fewest traps to remember and am willing to sacrifice lots of things that are cool but not really necessary in order to get there.	[reply]
Re^8: Control Structures by Anonymous Monk on May 10, 2005 at 21:04 UTC