Re^5: RFC: IPerl - Interactive Perl ( read-eval-print loop ) (x)

If that is the only thing that is missing to make the debugger worthy of the "REPL" tag, then I really fail to see the problem. I was hoping somebody would be able to explain why "a real REPL" is so much better at being a REPL than the debugger, but I have only seen hand waving and 'x' not being the default. So I consider myself still uninformed (and thus unconvinced).

A patch to allow 'x' to be the default would be interesting. If nothing else, it might trigger explanations as to why it still didn't create "a real REPL".

- tye

Comment on Re^5: RFC: IPerl - Interactive Perl ( read-eval-print loop ) (x)

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Re^6: RFC: IPerl - Interactive Perl ( read-eval-print loop ) (x) by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Dec 20, 2008 at 01:17 UTC
There are several things that I like about my repl over the debugger: I can pre-load various useful modules (like List::Util, Benchmark, Math::Random::MT, Data::Dump, threads, threads::shared; Thread::Queue, Win32::API::Prototype) that I use frequently when experimenting. I have it set up to only evaluate code when a line is terminated with `;;` which makes it easier to enter whole subroutines, and loops. It reports extended error messages ($^E) as well as $!. I can add new commands and features as I see fit. Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error. "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. "Too many [] have been sedated by an oppressive environment of political correctness and risk aversion."	[reply] [d/l]
Re^6: RFC: IPerl - Interactive Perl ( read-eval-print loop ) (x) by LanX (Saint) on Dec 20, 2008 at 01:45 UTC
Honestly, I think the only full REPL I ever really used was with a BASIC dialect on Atari ST, so I can't tell you what "a real REPL" is. With LISP and Python I'm only a beginner. But having to type "x " or "p " each time does in no way compare to the direct feedback of the Python or Ruby command prompt, which I heavily envy. Immediate try-and-error experimenting is also very beginner friendly, and I don't see why we should loose fresh blood because of such an (IMHO) easy to realize feature. It took me very long to find out how to use the perldebugger as a shell and now I can't understand why there is no automatic x or p !?! Cheers Rolf	[reply]