Discussion on: A simple tip for cleaner code

[Sasha Blagojevic]

Looks like the simplicity of my example stands in the way of the message I'm trying to convey.

If we take the examples literally there is no issue, a single line ternary

   return $bar > 0 ? 'YES' : ($bar === 0 ? 'MAYBE' : NO)

But if we have code between the condition and the return statement, you cannot use a ternary oh enlightened one ;)

[JavaScript Joel]

Yes your example was a simple one, though simplicity is not a factor as any program can be expressed as a single expression, regardless of the simplicity. Therefore any example can be converted into a conditional ternary. Though it may is possible not look the cleanest or be the best solution.

But if we have code between the condition and the return statement, you cannot use a ternary oh enlightened one ;)

☝️ This statement can be proven false with this block of code:

const foo = bar =>
  bar > 0 ? (
    console.log('Execute some code here for YES'),
    'YES'
  ) : bar === 0 ? (
    console.log('Execute some code here for MAYBE'),
    'MAYBE'
  ) : (
    console.log('Execute some code here for NO'),
    'NO'
  )

To demonstrate my point that you can write any application as a single expression, you can read my article where I have written a fully functional Promise library, a fairly complex program, as a single function expression. dev.to/joelnet/challenge-program-w...

The good thing about using a ternary operator is that when the operator becomes complicated, it is a signal that your function needs to be broken down into smaller pieces. Where as with the if statement, you can easily add too many statements without receiving this signal and end up with a function that breaks the Single Responsibility rule.

• The Enlightened One

[Sasha Blagojevic]

Just because you can do something does not mean you should, have fun maintaining your library :)

[Aram Bayadyan]

Just because you shouldn't do something it doesn't mean you can't ;)

[Sasha Blagojevic]

True as well :D

[Jon Bristow]

I’m fine with the quick return for validation or a guard as long as it’s right at the beginning of a function.

I’d rather have one single exit point for my function though since having multiple outs adds to the chances that someone will add code between the two exits without realizing it.

A “better” solution:

# python 2 only. Cmp was taken from the code golfers in python 3.
def silly(bar):
    output = {"-1": "NO", "0": "MAYBE", "1": "YES"}
    return output[str(cmp(bar,0))]

# LATE EDIT FOR MAXIMUM UNREADABILITY:
def silly(bar):
    return {"-1": "NO", "0": "MAYBE", "1": "YES"}[str(cmp(bar,0))]

If your function is equivalent to a nested ternary, then that’s a good use of early return. Anything more complicated needs to have the contents of the If statements extracted into methods to more clearly show off your now ternary equivalent ifelse

[JavaScript Joel]

I think OP's original example uses the conditions == 0, > 0 and < 0, so a hash table wouldn't work for 2 or -2.

[Jon Bristow]

I think if you look closer, you'll see that my solution is equivalent in output to the OP's example.

Here's a nastier one (also with a py3 equivalent)

# python2
def really_silly(bar):
    return ["MAYBE","YES","NO"][cmp(bar,0)]

# python3
def extremely_silly(bar):
    return ["MAYBE","YES","NO"][(bar>0)-(bar<0)]

God, I love how awful python can get sometimes!