FindString optional start parameter

[kenmo]

A very small suggestion here: Now that the length parameter of Mid() is optional and defaults to 1, doesn't it make sense that the start position parameter of FindString() should as well? No functionality change at all, just a little less clutter.

[Little John]

I support this suggestion/wish. This is possible with Instr() in all other Basic flavours that I know. Having this option in PB would make converting code like this

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i = Instr(Main$, Part$)

from other Basic flavours easier.

Regards, Little John

[PB]

With Mid() the parameter became optional because it reduced a lot of typing
and the need for yet another string command (Len). For example...

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Mid(windowsfolder$,10,Len(windowsfolder$))

...became so much simpler and quicker to type:

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Mid(windowsfolder$,10)

But with FindString(), all you need to type are 2 little chars at the end: ,1
And Macros can always give you a new version of the command that makes
porting from other Basics easier:

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Macro InStr(main,part) : FindString(main,part,1) : EndMacro
Debug InStr("12345","3") ; Returns 3.

[Little John]

Yes ... And probably Fred or Freak will need about 10 minutes or so to make the suggested change.

Regards, Little John

[PB]

Well, they have said in the past that it requires a recompile of the required
lib and doc changes in three languages... and they are not keen to do that
just because someone doesn't want to type: ,1
Plus it breaks all existing apps that use FindString.
Still think they'll do it? I'd be very surprised.

[Little John]

Plus it breaks all existing apps that use FindString.

No, not at all! It will not break a single line of code, since

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FindString(Main$, Part$, 1)

would still be legal code, of course. The suggestion is that the coder would be allowed to omit the start position, not that s/he would be forced to do so. The latter wouldn't make sense anyway.

It is paradox that we can use optional parameters in self-written procedures, but not in a built-in function such as FindString().

Regards, Little John

[PB]

Sorry, I forgot it would be optional.

[kenmo]

With Mid() the parameter became optional because it reduced a lot of typing
and the need for yet another string command (Len). For example...

Code: Select all

Mid(windowsfolder$,10,Len(windowsfolder$))

...became so much simpler and quicker to type:

Code: Select all

Mid(windowsfolder$,10)

Oh, you're right! I thought if you left out that parameter it would read 1 character, not until the end of the string. Good to know.

But I still like the optional FindString() idea.

[akj]

I second this as I am frequently forgetting to add the ,1 to the end of FindString() and I almost NEVER need to use anything other than ,1 .

Also, I would like the final length parameter to default to 1 for Left() and Right().

[blueznl]

+1 here as well, the third parameter does always force me to do another compile... so actually, the pb devs would need 10 minutes, yet they would save humanity hours and days and weeks and months and perhaps years!

[kenmo]

Also, I would like the final length parameter to default to 1 for Left() and Right().

Ah yes, +1 for that as well!