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Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2015 04:39:15 +1000
Subject: Re: Context-aware return
From: Chris Angelico <rosuav@gmail.com>
Cc: "python-list@python.org" <python-list@python.org>
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Xref: csiph.com comp.lang.python:96285

On Fri, Sep 11, 2015 at 3:54 AM, Steven D'Aprano <steve@pearwood.info> wrote:
> If the function is being called as if it were a procedure or command, that
> is the return result is just ignored, I want to return one thing. But if it
> is being called where the return result goes somewhere, I want to return
> something else. Most importantly, I don't want to pass a flag to the
> function myself, I want the function to know its own context.

The first thing that comes to mind is a repr hack. If you make your
function return an int-like object with a different repr, it could
look like it's returning "Awesome" interactively. The usefulness of
that depends on what the two forms are you're trying to return,
though.

Advantage: Doesn't get Ben's cabbage. I think.

Disadvantage: Looks weird if you try to debug stuff and get the repr
staring back at you.

ChrisA