Improved Markdown.

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Achim D. Brucker 2018-08-09 21:42:58 +01:00
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@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
# su4sml coding style # su4sml coding style
We here document coding-style guidelines that should be adhered to. We here document coding-style guidelines that should be adhered to.
Much of the existing code is not yet following these guidelines, Much of the existing code is not yet following these guidelines,
patches are welcome. This style-guide was inspired by the SML Style patches are welcome. This style-guide was inspired by the SML Style
@ -7,6 +8,7 @@ Guide from
## Chapter 1: Indentation and breaking long lines ## Chapter 1: Indentation and breaking long lines
The limit on the length of lines is 80 columns and this is a hard The limit on the length of lines is 80 columns and this is a hard
limit. Using more than 80 columns causes your code to wrap around to limit. Using more than 80 columns causes your code to wrap around to
the next line, which is devastating to readability. the next line, which is devastating to readability.
@ -16,6 +18,7 @@ spaces to control indenting. Indent by two spaces.
Long expressions can be broken up and the parts aligned, as in the second Long expressions can be broken up and the parts aligned, as in the second
example. Either is acceptable. example. Either is acceptable.
```sml ```sml
val x = "Long line..."^ val x = "Long line..."^
"Another long line." "Another long line."
@ -23,13 +26,17 @@ val x = "Long line..."^
val x = "Long line..."^ val x = "Long line..."^
"Another long line." "Another long line."
``` ```
Case expressions should be indented as follows: Case expressions should be indented as follows:
```sml ```sml
case expr of case expr of
pat1 => ... pat1 => ...
| pat2 => ... | pat2 => ...
``` ```
If expressions should be indented according to one of the following schemes: If expressions should be indented according to one of the following schemes:
```sml ```sml
if exp1 then exp2 if exp1 then if exp1 then exp2 if exp1 then
else if exp3 then exp4 exp2 else if exp3 then exp4 exp2
@ -39,6 +46,7 @@ else if exp5 then exp6 else exp3
if exp1 then exp2 else exp3 if exp1 then exp2 if exp1 then exp2 else exp3 if exp1 then exp2
else exp3 else exp3
``` ```
Comments should be indented to the level of the line of code that follows the Comments should be indented to the level of the line of code that follows the
comment. comment.
@ -55,6 +63,7 @@ multiple lines to something that has good style is to factor the code using a
let expression. Consider the following: let expression. Consider the following:
* Bad * Bad
```sml ```sml
fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) = fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) =
if n=0 if n=0
@ -65,6 +74,7 @@ let expression. Consider the following:
``` ```
* Better * Better
```sml ```sml
fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) = fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) =
if n=0 if n=0
@ -75,7 +85,9 @@ let expression. Consider the following:
#3 (euclid (n, m mod n))) #3 (euclid (n, m mod n)))
``` ```
* Best * Best
``` ```
fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) = fun euclid (m:int,n:int) : (int * int * int) =
if n=0 if n=0
@ -90,7 +102,9 @@ let expression. Consider the following:
``` ```
Do not factor unnecessarily. Do not factor unnecessarily.
* Bad * Bad
```sml ```sml
let let
val x = TextIO.inputLine TextIO.stdIn val x = TextIO.inputLine TextIO.stdIn
@ -101,25 +115,31 @@ Do not factor unnecessarily.
``` ```
* Good * Good
```sml ```sml
case TextIO.inputLine TextIO.stdIn of case TextIO.inputLine TextIO.stdIn of
... ...
``` ```
* Bad (provided y is not a large expression):
* Bad (provided `y` is not a large expression):
```sml ```sml
let val x = y*y in x+z end let val x = y*y in x+z end
``` ```
* Good * Good
```sml ```sml
y*y + z y*y + z
``` ```
## Chapter 3: Comments ## Chapter 3: Comments
Comments should be written with Comments should be written with
[SMLDoc](http://www.pllab.riec.tohoku.ac.jp/smlsharp/?SMLDoc) in mind; [SMLDoc](http://www.pllab.riec.tohoku.ac.jp/smlsharp/?SMLDoc) in mind;
a, nightly updated, API documentation is a, nightly updated, API documentation is
[available](http://projects.brucker.ch/su4sml/smldoc/). For example: [available](http://projects.brucker.ch/su4sml/smldoc/). For example:
```sml ```sml
(** (**
* opens a file. * opens a file.
@ -129,7 +149,9 @@ a, nightly updated, API documentation is
* @return file stream *) * @return file stream *)
val openFile : {fileName : string, mode : openMode} -> stream val openFile : {fileName : string, mode : openMode} -> stream
``` ```
We mainly restrict ourselves to the following SMLDoc tags: We mainly restrict ourselves to the following SMLDoc tags:
``` ```
@params gives names to formal parameters of functions and value constructors @params gives names to formal parameters of functions and value constructors
@param a description of a formal parameter @param a description of a formal parameter
@ -137,18 +159,21 @@ We mainly restrict ourselves to the following SMLDoc tags:
@see related items (specified text is not analyzed in the current version) @see related items (specified text is not analyzed in the current version)
@throws same as the @exception tag @throws same as the @exception tag
``` ```
Signatures must be commented using SMLDoc. Signatures must be commented using SMLDoc.
Comments go above the code they reference, as in the following example: Comments go above the code they reference, as in the following example:
```sml ```sml
(** Sums a list of integers. *) (** Sums a list of integers. *)
val sum = foldl (op +) 0 val sum = foldl (op +) 0
``` ```
Avoid Useless Comments. Avoid comments that merely repeat the code they
*Avoid Useless Comments.* Avoid comments that merely repeat the code they
reference or state the obvious. Comments should state the invariants, the reference or state the obvious. Comments should state the invariants, the
non-obvious, or any references that have more information about the code. non-obvious, or any references that have more information about the code.
Avoid Over-commenting. Very many or very long comments in the code body are *Avoid Over-commenting.* Very many or very long comments in the code body are
more distracting than helpful. Long comments may appear at the top of a file more distracting than helpful. Long comments may appear at the top of a file
if you wish to explain the overall design of the code or refer to any sources if you wish to explain the overall design of the code or refer to any sources
that have more information about the algorithms or data structures. All other that have more information about the algorithms or data structures. All other
@ -156,7 +181,7 @@ comments in the file should be as short as possible. A good place for a
comment is just before a function declaration. Judicious choice of variable comment is just before a function declaration. Judicious choice of variable
names can help minimize the need for comments. names can help minimize the need for comments.
Line Breaks. Empty lines should only be included between value declarations *Line Breaks.* Empty lines should only be included between value declarations
within a struct block, especially between function declarations. It is not within a struct block, especially between function declarations. It is not
necessary to put empty lines between other declarations unless you are necessary to put empty lines between other declarations unless you are
separating the different types of declarations (such as structures, types, separating the different types of declarations (such as structures, types,
@ -164,10 +189,11 @@ exceptions and values). Unless function declarations within a let block are
long, there should be no empty lines within a let block. There should never be long, there should be no empty lines within a let block. There should never be
an empty line within an expression. an empty line within an expression.
Multi-line Commenting. When comments are printed on paper, the reader lacks the *Multi-line Commenting.* When comments are printed on paper, the reader lacks the
advantage of color highlighting performed by an editor such as Emacs. advantage of color highlighting performed by an editor such as Emacs.
Multiline comments can be distinguished from code by preceding each line of the Multiline comments can be distinguished from code by preceding each line of the
comment with a * similar to the following: comment with a * similar to the following:
```sml ```sml
(** (**
* This is one of those rare but long comments * This is one of those rare but long comments
@ -179,20 +205,21 @@ fun complicatedFunction () = ...
## Chapter 4: Parentheses ## Chapter 4: Parentheses
Over Parenthesizing. Parentheses have many semantic purposes in ML, including *Over Parenthesizing.* Parentheses have many semantic purposes in ML, including
constructing tuples, grouping sequences of side-effect expressions, forcing a constructing tuples, grouping sequences of side-effect expressions, forcing a
non-default parse of an expression, and grouping structures for functor non-default parse of an expression, and grouping structures for functor
arguments. Their usage is very different from C or Java. Avoid using arguments. Their usage is very different from C or Java. Avoid using
unnecessary parantheses when their presence makes your code harder to unnecessary parantheses when their presence makes your code harder to
understand. understand.
Case expressions. Wrap case expressions with parentheses. This avoids a *Case expressions.* Wrap case expressions with parentheses. This avoids a
common error involving nested case expressions. If the case expression is common error involving nested case expressions. If the case expression is
already wrapped by a let...in...end block, you can drop the parentheses. already wrapped by a let...in...end block, you can drop the parentheses.
Alternative Block Styles. Blocks of code such as let...in...end, struct...end, *Alternative Block Styles.* Blocks of code such as let...in...end, struct...end,
and sig...end should be indented as follows. There are several alternative and sig...end should be indented as follows. There are several alternative
styles to choose from. styles to choose from.
```sml ```sml
fun foo bar = fun foo bar = fun foo bar = let fun foo bar = fun foo bar = fun foo bar = let
let let val p = 4 val p = 4 let let val p = 4 val p = 4
@ -203,16 +230,16 @@ fun foo bar = fun foo bar = fun foo bar = let
end end
``` ```
## Chapter 5: Pattern matching ## Chapter 5: Pattern matching
No Incomplete Pattern Matches. Incomplete pattern matches are flagged with *No Incomplete Pattern Matches.* Incomplete pattern matches are flagged with
compiler warnings, which should be treated as errors. compiler warnings, which should be treated as errors.
Pattern Match in the Function Arguments When Possible. Tuples, records and *Pattern Match in the Function Arguments When Possible.* Tuples, records and
datatypes can be deconstructed using pattern matching. If you simply datatypes can be deconstructed using pattern matching. If you simply
deconstruct the function argument before you do anything useful, it is better deconstruct the function argument before you do anything useful, it is better
to pattern match in the function argument. Consider these examples: to pattern match in the function argument. Consider these examples:
```sml ```sml
Bad Good Bad Good
fun f arg1 arg2 = let fun f (x,y) (z,_) = ... fun f arg1 arg2 = let fun f (x,y) (z,_) = ...
@ -233,8 +260,7 @@ in
end end
``` ```
*Avoid Unnecessary Projections.* Prefer pattern matching to projections with
Avoid Unnecessary Projections. Prefer pattern matching to projections with
function arguments or a value declarations. Using projections is okay as long function arguments or a value declarations. Using projections is okay as long
as it is infrequent and the meaning is clearly understood from the context. as it is infrequent and the meaning is clearly understood from the context.
The above rule shows how to pattern-match in the function arguments. Here is The above rule shows how to pattern-match in the function arguments. Here is
@ -251,12 +277,12 @@ in end
end end
``` ```
*Combine nested case Expressions.* Rather than nest case expressions, you can
Combine nested case Expressions. Rather than nest case expressions, you can
combine them by pattern matching against a tuple, provided the tests in the combine them by pattern matching against a tuple, provided the tests in the
case expressions are independent. Here is an example: case expressions are independent. Here is an example:
* Bad * Bad
```sml ```sml
let let
val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now()) val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now())
@ -275,6 +301,7 @@ case expressions are independent. Here is an example:
``` ```
* Good * Good
```sml ```sml
let let
val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now()) val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now())
@ -294,9 +321,9 @@ these functions altogether. It is usually easy to achieve the same
effect with pattern matching. If you cannot manage to avoid them, you effect with pattern matching. If you cannot manage to avoid them, you
should handle any exceptions that they might raise. should handle any exceptions that they might raise.
## Chapter 6: Naming and declarations ## Chapter 6: Naming and declarations
Naming Conventions. The best way to tell at a glance something about the type
*Naming Conventions.* The best way to tell at a glance something about the type
of a variable is to use the standard SML naming conventions. The following are of a variable is to use the standard SML naming conventions. The following are
the preferred rules that are (more or less) followed by the SML basis and the preferred rules that are (more or less) followed by the SML basis and
SML/NJ libraries: SML/NJ libraries:
@ -322,11 +349,12 @@ These conventions are not enforced by the compiler, though violations of the
variable/constructor conventions ought to cause warning messages because of the variable/constructor conventions ought to cause warning messages because of the
danger of a constructor turning into a variable when it is misspelled. danger of a constructor turning into a variable when it is misspelled.
Use Meaningful Names. Another way of conveying information is to use meaningful *Use Meaningful Names.* Another way of conveying information is to use meaningful
variable names that reflect their intended use. Choose words or combinations variable names that reflect their intended use. Choose words or combinations
of words describing the value. Variable names may be one letter in short let of words describing the value. Variable names may be one letter in short let
blocks. Functions used in a fold, filter, or map are often bound to the name blocks. Functions used in a fold, filter, or map are often bound to the name
f. Here is an example for short variable names: f. Here is an example for short variable names:
```sml ```sml
let let
val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now()) val d = Date.fromTimeLocal(Time.now())
@ -338,7 +366,7 @@ in
end end
``` ```
Avoid Global Mutable Variables. Mutable values should be local to closures and *Avoid Global Mutable Variables.* Mutable values should be local to closures and
almost never declared as a structure's value. Global mutable values cause many almost never declared as a structure's value. Global mutable values cause many
problems. First, it is difficult to ensure that the mutable value is in the problems. First, it is difficult to ensure that the mutable value is in the
proper state, since it might have been modified outside the function or by a proper state, since it might have been modified outside the function or by a
@ -348,7 +376,7 @@ makes it more likely that your code is nonreentrant. Without proper knowledge
of the ramifications, declaring global mutable values can extend beyond bad of the ramifications, declaring global mutable values can extend beyond bad
style to incorrect code. style to incorrect code.
When to Rename Variables. You should rarely need to rename values, in fact this *When to Rename Variables.* You should rarely need to rename values, in fact this
is a sure way to obfuscate code. Renaming a value should be backed up with a is a sure way to obfuscate code. Renaming a value should be backed up with a
very good reason. One instance where renaming a variable is common and very good reason. One instance where renaming a variable is common and
encouraged is when aliasing structures. In these cases, other structures used encouraged is when aliasing structures. In these cases, other structures used
@ -356,6 +384,7 @@ by functions within the current structure are aliased to one or two letter
variables at the top of the struct block. This serves two purposes: it shortens variables at the top of the struct block. This serves two purposes: it shortens
the name of the structure and it documents the structures you use. Here is an the name of the structure and it documents the structures you use. Here is an
example: example:
```sml ```sml
struct struct
structure H = HashTable structure H = HashTable
@ -364,10 +393,12 @@ struct
... ...
end end
``` ```
Order of Declarations in a Structure. When declaring elements in a structure,
*Order of Declarations in a Structure.* When declaring elements in a structure,
you should first alias the structures you intend to use, followed by the types, you should first alias the structures you intend to use, followed by the types,
followed by exceptions, and lastly list all the value declarations for the followed by exceptions, and lastly list all the value declarations for the
structure. Here is an example: structure. Here is an example:
```sml ```sml
struct struct
structure L = List structure L = List
@ -383,16 +414,18 @@ Moreover, every top-level structure should be restricted by a (documented)
signature. signature.
Functions should declared in their their curried form, e.g., Functions should declared in their their curried form, e.g.,
```sml ```sml
fun f x y = ... instead of fun f(x,y) = ... fun f x y = ... instead of fun f(x,y) = ...
``` ```
Datatypes should be preferred to type synonyms in particular for Datatypes should be preferred to type synonyms in particular for
record types record types
## Chapter 7: Verbosity ## Chapter 7: Verbosity
Don't Rewrite Library Functions. The basis library and the SML/NJ library have *Don't Rewrite Library Functions.* The basis library and the SML/NJ library have
a great number of functions and data structures -- use them! Often students a great number of functions and data structures -- use them! Often students
will recode List.filter, List.map, and similar functions. A more subtle will recode List.filter, List.map, and similar functions. A more subtle
situation for recoding is all the fold functions. Writing a function that situation for recoding is all the fold functions. Writing a function that
@ -400,7 +433,7 @@ recursively walks down the list should make vigorous use of List.foldl or
List.foldr. Other data structures often have a folding function; use them List.foldr. Other data structures often have a folding function; use them
whenever they are available. whenever they are available.
Misusing if Expressions. Remember that the type of the condition in an if *Misusing if Expressions.* Remember that the type of the condition in an if
expression is bool. In general, the type of an if expression is 'a, but in the expression is bool. In general, the type of an if expression is 'a, but in the
case that the type is bool, you should not be using if at all. Consider the case that the type is bool, you should not be using if at all. Consider the
following: following:
@ -418,9 +451,10 @@ if x then false else y not x andalso y
if x then y else true not x orelse y if x then y else true not x orelse y
``` ```
Misusing case Expressions. The case expression is misused in two common *Misusing case Expressions.* The case expression is misused in two common
situations. First, case should never be used in place of an if expression situations. First, case should never be used in place of an if expression
(that's why if exists). Note the following: (that's why if exists). Note the following:
```sml ```sml
case e of case e of
true => x true => x
@ -428,8 +462,10 @@ case e of
if e then x else y if e then x else y
``` ```
The latter is much better. Another situation where if expressions are The latter is much better. Another situation where if expressions are
preferred over case expressions is as follows: preferred over case expressions is as follows:
```sml ```sml
case e of case e of
c => x (* c is a constant value *) c => x (* c is a constant value *)
@ -437,13 +473,16 @@ case e of
if e=c then x else y if e=c then x else y
``` ```
The latter is definitely better. The other misuse is using case when pattern The latter is definitely better. The other misuse is using case when pattern
matching with a val declaration is enough. Consider the following: matching with a val declaration is enough. Consider the following:
```sml ```sml
val x = case expr of (y,z) => y val x = case expr of (y,z) => y
val (x,_) = expr val (x,_) = expr
``` ```
The latter is better. The latter is better.
Other Common Misuses. Here are some other common mistakes to watch out for: Other Common Misuses. Here are some other common mistakes to watch out for:
@ -470,25 +509,30 @@ Int.sign(x)=1 x>0
Do not re-wrap Functions. When passing a function as an argument to another Do not re-wrap Functions. When passing a function as an argument to another
function, don't re-wrap the function unnecessarily. Here's an example: function, don't re-wrap the function unnecessarily. Here's an example:
```sml ```sml
List.map (fn x => Math.sqrt x) [1.0, 4.0, 9.0, 16.0] List.map (fn x => Math.sqrt x) [1.0, 4.0, 9.0, 16.0]
List.map Math.sqrt [1.0, 4.0, 9.0, 16.0] List.map Math.sqrt [1.0, 4.0, 9.0, 16.0]
``` ```
The latter is better. Another case for rewrapping a function is often The latter is better. Another case for rewrapping a function is often
associated with infix binary operators. To prevent rewrapping the binary associated with infix binary operators. To prevent rewrapping the binary
operator, use the op keyword as in the following example: operator, use the op keyword as in the following example:
```sml ```sml
foldl (fn (x,y) => x + y) 0 foldl (fn (x,y) => x + y) 0
foldl (op +) 0 foldl (op +) 0
``` ```
The latter is better. The latter is better.
Don't Needlessly Nest let Expressions. Multiple declarations may occur in the Don't Needlessly Nest let Expressions. Multiple declarations may occur in the
first block of a let...in...end expression. The bindings are performed first block of a let...in...end expression. The bindings are performed
sequentially, so you may use a name bound earlier in the same block. Consider sequentially, so you may use a name bound earlier in the same block. Consider
the following: the following:
```sml ```sml
let let
val x = 42 val x = 42
@ -521,12 +565,14 @@ with a name.
In general, a source file should only contain one signature or structure. In more In general, a source file should only contain one signature or structure. In more
detail: detail:
- if a signature is only implemented by one structure, the signature and
* if a signature is only implemented by one structure, the signature and
structure can be placed in one file, structure can be placed in one file,
- if a signature is implemented by several structures, the signature should * if a signature is implemented by several structures, the signature should
be placed into a separate file. be placed into a separate file.
The file name should reflect the signature name and it should be The file name should reflect the signature name and it should be
and separated by underscore, e.g., ocl_term.sig and separated by underscore, e.g., `ocl_term.sig`.
Source files should use the Unix line ending convention and be either encoding Source files should use the Unix line ending convention and be either encoding
using ASCII (preferred) or UTF-8. using ASCII (preferred) or UTF-8.
@ -541,7 +587,9 @@ of the SML standard library.
## Appendix ## Appendix
### Appendix I: Machine-support ### Appendix I: Machine-support
The following elisp-snippet provides marginal support for this coding-style for The following elisp-snippet provides marginal support for this coding-style for
the [sml-mode](http://www.smlnj.org/doc/Emacs/sml-mode.html) of the [sml-mode](http://www.smlnj.org/doc/Emacs/sml-mode.html) of
[Emacs](http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/). [Emacs](http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/).