Encoding problems...

[Daniel Keep]

Robert Fraser wrote:
> BCS wrote:
>> Reply to Robert,
>>
>>
>>> Hmm... I'd say x.⊆(y) is preferable x.isSubsetOf(y), but it's not a
>>> huge deal.
>>>
>>
>> Only until you have to type it. I think universal alpha includes only
>> the union of things that can be easily typed on standard keyboards. I
>> don't think any keyboard (ok maybe an APL keyboard) has the subset
>> symbol on it.
> 
> I have 10 configurable keys on my keyboard, none of which are in use. I
> could also remap my numpad (cause, seriously, who uses this?) Also, many
> editors can be configured so that a sequence of characters converts to a
> single one.

Which would possibly make D the first language to *require* a
specialised keyboard and/or editor since APL.

Not a good precedent.

Oh, and don't try to argue it isn't mandatory.  If you can overload
those operators, people WILL use them and WILL complain that it's too hard.

> There appears to be no reason that mathematical symbols aren't allowed
> in identifiers... Think of how awesome it would be to write
> assert(x⊇y→∀a∈x∃b∈y(a⊇b)) ... Okay, that would require overloading of
> those operators (and instantiating variables in a new way), but still!

I think that example you gave is an excellent reason not to allow them.  :D

It would be nice, but it's really not feasible without widespread editor
and/or keyboard support for extra symbols, which I just don't see happening.