Ternary Operator Poll

[Rob Cashwalker]

Ternary Operator:

Code: Select all

condition ? operation if true : operation if false;


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternary_operation

Pros:
Single line of code for basic functionality for example:

Sometimes I've needed a final variable, but I need it assigned based on a condition. A ternary operator is much simpler than an if-else with a temp variable.

Cons:
Confusing to new programmers
Simpler to modify if-else block in future

Discuss and Vote!

[slapshot5]

I voted allow because of this:

Sometimes I've needed a final variable, but I need it assigned based on a condition. A ternary operator is much simpler than an if-else with a temp variable.

It's just cleaner. Outside of this, I've never had use for them.

-slapshot5

[Hellfish]

I voted allow. I do agree with Con #1 but IMO it is not *that* complicated to learn to use, once you stumble upon it. As for Con #2, it's a couple of seconds worth of cut & pasting at most to convert it if need be, it doesn't bother me.

[friarsol]

I voted allow as well. I think Con # 1 isn't a valid concern. New programmers don't know a lot of stuff, but that shouldn't be a reason to limit how others program. When I was a new programmer I loved stumbling on new ways to make my code more concise.

[Max mtg]

I voted allow, because... it was my idea originally to review checkstyle limitations.
Con #1: new progs would learn it on sight
#2: don't be lazy. If the condition clause seems to be too long, declare a boolean for it.

[jendave]

Interesting poll since ternary operators have always been allowed. There is not currently nor has ever been a restriction on them.

[Rob Cashwalker]

OK, who voted "What's a Ternary Operator?"... show yourself!

Dave, I wouldn't have given it much consideration either until it was mentioned that it could be restricted.... Then I thought about it and read up on the topic. And read it again, because it still wasn't clear. Then actually looking for it in code, I kinda got it... So if I'm having this much trouble wrapping my head around it (and I'm a fairly experienced programmer) then at least one other person must be confused too.

If it's the sort of thing that Checkstyle can flag, then flag it.. doesn't mean it MUST be changed... if someone needs it in the code, then can't they add a @suppress code or something?

[DennisBergkamp]

I think we currently have some of these in the code anyway (unless they were removed).

[jendave]

If it's the sort of thing that Checkstyle can flag, then flag it.. doesn't mean it MUST be changed... if someone needs it in the code, then can't they add a @suppress code or something?

Up until a few days ago, checkstyle would flag it. The official Sun style guide allows them so I removed the flag per Max's request. @Suppress can be used but that is ugly in my opinion.