Neat trick - 'with' and unnamed objects + 'with' proposals

[Bill Baxter]

Dan wrote:
> Bill Baxter Wrote:
> 
>> I just discovered this little trick that I think is way cool.
>> You can use 'with' in combination with an anonymous object to set 
>> attributes on that object without having to bother giving it a name or a 
>> variable.
>>
>>
>> with(new someGUIWidget(myParent)) {
>>     shown = true;
>>     focusable = false;
>> }
> 
> In JavaScript they've had this "feature" for a very long time.  I never, ever use it.  Why?
> 
> x = 3;
> myFunc = function(){
> x = 2;
> this.x = 1;
> bla bla bla ginger
> with(x){
> bla bla bla bla ginger
> bla bla bla
> bla bla
> x += 3;
> bla bla
> }
> x -= 2;
> }
> 
> That in itself isn't so bad.  But in real code, it looks godawful and makes a guy concentrate on scoping it for a second; distracting him from the algorithm.


You seem to be harping on 'with' in general, not with what I was 
actually talking about which is using it on unnamed variables.  'with' 
itself has been in D as long as I've known D, I just didn't realize you 
could use it with anonymous objects.

Anyway, you certainly don't have to like it or use it.  But I find it 
useful in moderation.

--bb