Re: Lists composed of equal number and kind of elements

[Emanuel Berg]

Marcin Borkowski <mbork@mbork.pl> writes:

>> But in general I agree the most general solution is
>> the best, and if specific interfaces are needed,
>> those are super-easy to add (especially in Lisp).
>
> No. Most general might be too expensive (in terms of
> computer resources or programmer resources).

What I mean is, for example, `+' is the most general
function for addition. So it is the best one, and if
you want to add addition to your game which doesn't
have addition, `+' is what you should aim for.

Later, if you find all day long you do (+ something 6)
you can easily write an interface to `+' that
does this.

Especially wise if that recurring 6 isn't just equal
to the other 6s by coincidence but represents the same
data item, e.g. the six sides of a hex nut.

Then, if the robo-politbureau decides the robotic
vanguard will use eighth sided nuts for their sword
arms, you don't have to search and replace 6s which in
the bargain might catch one 6 that *isn't* the sides
of a nut - instead, you just change the variable
value. Where is that defined? In the interface to `+',
the one that does what you want!

-- 
underground experts united
http://user.it.uu.se/~embe8573