Re: Mutator chaining considered harmful

[toma]

Chained mutators can

• Save typing
• Create symmetry
• Result in clearer code.

Here's a snippet from my own code. This probes a real-time audio application with a five channel OpenGL oscilloscope:

  my $s= Scope->new('probe' => $netlist)
            ->anatrace('in', 'System input', 'active', 1)
            ->anatrace('out_1', 'Lpf bank1', 'active', 1)
            ->anatrace('out_2', 'Lpf bank2', 'active', 1024)
            ->anatrace('out', 'System output', 'active', 1)
            ->anatrace('bank2', 'Switch pos', 'active', 1)
            ->generate();

Want to see another channel? Call anatrace again.

I don't think that features with potential downsides should be 'considered harmful'.

It is possible to create a 'little language' out of chained method calls. I avoid creating little languages because I have seen a few of them grow into voracious blood-sucking monsters. I can enjoy chaining method calls without fear of triggering a science-related memetic disorder.