Author Topic: [Scheme/Lisp] Purpose/use of procedures that take arbitrary amount of arguments  (Read 3559 times)

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Offline squidgetx

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In class (scheme) we recently learned about the syntax that allows a function to take an arbitrary amount of arguments eg;
Code: [Select]
(define len
  (lambda args
    (length args)))

>(len 1 2 3)
3
What are the advantages of using this form over simply passing the arguments as a single list in the first place? How do you even pass arguments to these kinds of functions within a program (and not on the command line)? Is there a way to make a procedure that returns a series of values that aren't wrapped within a list?

Offline Streetwalrus

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Well, I don't know Lisp and I don't know people who do so I can't help you. :/

Also how dare you post after a hiatus without updating us on A:P ? *runs*

Offline squidgetx

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Figured it out

(it's the apply procedure)

And yeah, I've been away for a while, haven't I?

Offline Streetwalrus

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Yup, nice to see you back. I hope you stick around. ;)