Should we remove int[$] before 2.067?

[Andrei Alexandrescu via Digitalmars-d]

As discussed in this forum, Kenji has authored 
https://github.com/D-Programming-Language/dmd/pull/3615 which has been 
recently merged.

By this I am proposing we revert that decision, and quickly - before 
2.067 is released lest we'll need to support it forever. Here's why.

One simple litmus test for a new language feature is "it can't be done 
within the current language". That's a good yardstick; coupled with the 
importance of the task, it forms a compelling reason for adding the 
feature. There's nuance to that, e.g. it can be done but it's onerously 
difficult; or the feature is so frequently needed, dedicated language is 
warranted.

The recent int[$] feature seems to fail that test. That feature, and in 
fact more, can be done trivially with library code:

http://dpaste.dzfl.pl/f49a97e35974.

In my opinion these particular features are not frequent enough to 
warrant dedicated syntax.

Furthermore, one other unpleasant aftermath of int[$] is that new syntax 
begets more new syntax. The proverbial ink was not yet dry on the #3615 
merge when a new, new syntax was proposed in this forum, this time for 
statically-allocated statically-sized arrays. Far as I can tell the main 
argument is "you have to write longer code" without it.

I am not okay with that - at all.

D is a great language with many awesome features. Too many, in some 
people's opinion. We must get into the habit of using D's ample 
orchestra to create new music, not add a new instrument for every tune.

So I am think we should consider reverting 
https://github.com/D-Programming-Language/dmd/pull/3615 and adding the 
appropriate functions to std.array.

Please advise.


Andrei