[clean-list] [ standards design ] StdEnv StdList ( instance
toString [x] ) -- possibly superfluous behavior
Arjen van Weelden
A.vanWeelden at cs.ru.nl
Fri Aug 25 11:20:17 MEST 2006
TK wrote:
> Hey, Arjen!
>
>
>
>
> Clean doesn't really
> support things like `instance toString [Char]', and this definition
> does
> get in the way of other toString instances for lists.
>
>
> You are right. For instance, I find myself commenting it out from StdEnv.
>
>
> The StdEnv is `set
> in stone' as to provide backwards compatibility, and it's very difficult
> to get the CleanTeam to change anything. For instance, making the
> behavior of take or drop more logical is also not done for this reason.
>
>
> I see :( By the way, You know that saying...
>
> # /Always go for a change should it bring at least a small improvement!
> ...seemingly negligible advances accumulate over time bringing rewards
> //greater //than the cost of any initial change that was made, no matter
> its scale. However, never change anything just for the sake of it.
> /
> ( http://www.freewebs.com/improving/ )
>
> In our case, something like a LegacyEnv could be provided. And compiling
> with a newer version could mean changes to existing code anyway, be it
> caused by something like a better way of prioritizing type instance
> selection or just new ways for code optimization which can also rise
> without syntax changes.
>
Yes, your right. Still, I have found it next to impossible to get the
CleanTeam to change the StdEnv.
Another option is to make a NewEnv/NewString that selectively imports
everything except that instance.
regards,
Arjen
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