EZ Feature: Implement When/Is/Then Switch Statements

Switch statements provide a clean and efficient way to handle multiple conditional branches in programming. This article explores the proposed implementation of switch statements in the EZ language, utilizing the keywords when, is, then, and default. This feature aims to enhance code readability and maintainability by offering a structured alternative to lengthy if/else chains.

Introduction to Switch Statements in EZ

In programming, the need to handle different cases based on the value of a variable is a common scenario. Traditional approaches often involve nested if and else statements, which can become cumbersome and difficult to manage as the number of cases increases. Switch statements offer a more elegant solution by providing a clear and concise way to match a value against multiple potential outcomes. The proposed implementation in EZ leverages the keywords when, is, and then to create a readable and explicit syntax. This approach not only simplifies the code but also reduces the likelihood of errors that can arise from complex conditional logic. By incorporating default, the switch statement ensures that all possible scenarios are handled, promoting robust and reliable code. The key advantage of using switch statements is the improved clarity and structure they bring to the code, making it easier for developers to understand, maintain, and debug. This feature aligns with EZ's philosophy of being beginner-friendly and explicit, aiming to make programming more accessible and less error-prone. Overall, switch statements are a valuable addition to any programming language, and their implementation in EZ promises to enhance the development experience significantly.

Proposed Syntax for EZ Switch Statements

The proposed syntax for switch statements in EZ is designed to be both intuitive and consistent with the language's overall style. It incorporates the keywords when, is, then, and default to create a clear and readable structure. Let's delve into the specifics of the syntax, including single-statement cases, multi-statement cases, enum matching, and range matching.

Single Statement Cases

For simple scenarios where each case requires only a single statement, the syntax is streamlined and avoids the need for braces. This keeps the code concise and easy to read. The structure is as follows:

when day {
 is 1 then println("Monday")
 is 2 then println("Tuesday")
 is 6, 7 then println("Weekend!")
 default then println("Weekday")
}

In this example, the when keyword initiates the switch statement, followed by the variable to be evaluated (day). Each is clause checks the variable against a specific value, and the then keyword indicates the statement to be executed if the match is successful. The default clause handles cases where no other match is found. This syntax is designed to be explicit and straightforward, making it easy for developers to understand the flow of control.

Multi-Statement Cases

When a case requires multiple statements to be executed, braces are used to group these statements into a block. This ensures that the code remains organized and readable, even for more complex scenarios. The syntax is as follows:

when command {
 is "start" then println("Starting...")
 is "stop", "quit" then println("Stopping...")
 is "help" then {
 println("Available commands:")
 println(" start, stop, quit, help")
 }
 default then println("Unknown command")
}

Here, the `is