[PATCH] -r 1-100 not -r1:100 please...

[John Arbash Meinel]

> On Fri, 2005-05-27 at 20:14 +0200, Denys Duchier wrote:
>> John Arbash Meinel <john at arbash-meinel.com> writes:
>>
>> > I agree that '-' is a decent separator character, but I think it is
>> also frequently used as a joining character. We have thought about
>> it and discussed it, and it doesn't really seem like the best
>> character.
>>
>> How about using an ellipsis? using either 2 or 3 (or more) dots:
>>
>> 	N..M
>> or      N...M
>>
>> would that work any better?
>
> I think that would be a better idea.
>
>       * The colon separated syntax tromps the conventional
>         namespace-prefix use of colon.
>       * The dash separated syntax is confusing and ugly with negative
>         indices or uuids.
>
> The ellipsis syntax has precedent in some CAS and I find it very
> natural.
>
> Also, it's very easy to type with a dvorak keymap :)
>
I think I would be happy with ellipsis. I was a little concerned about
conflict, but since you are using multiple dots, it isn't really a
problem.

I know it was mentioned to have a sub-parsers which would "consume" the
input. But then you start having issues that the same command might mean
different things based on local context. To me it is nicer to have a very
straightforward non-surprising syntax.

As far as the "negative numbers are something only a programmer would
love", is probably correct. But if you are using a source control
management system, you are likely to *be* a programmer. (Yes, not 100% but
certainly more than average).

I would be happy to modify my last patch to use an elipsis notation,
rather than using {} and :.

John
=:->

> --
>                                                             -- ddaa