Implement something like "coalesce" (javascripts || or phps ?:)

[DartBot]

This issue was originally filed by emiliopl...@gmail.com

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What steps will reproduce the problem?

I need to get the first not null argument in:

var shortName = coalesce(person.alias, person.name, person.completeName); // like PL

but I can't write it because there are not functions with infinite arguments.

or may be

var shortName = person.alias ?: person.name ?: person.completeName; // like php

But you must implement the operator ?: (or other with the same meaning)

or may be

var shortName = person.alias || person.name || person.completeName; // like JavaScript

But || it's only for booleans.

or may be

var shortName = [person.alias, person.name, person.completeName].firstNotNull();

But we can't extend List.

or may be

var shortName = coalesce([person.alias, person.name, person.completeName]);

but I don't like it. It's the only solution?

 

What is the expected output? What do you see instead?

What version of the product are you using? On what operating system?

Please provide any additional information below.

[madsager]

Removed Type-Defect label.
Added Type-Enhancement, Area-Language, Triaged labels.

[DartBot]

This comment was originally written by emiliopl...@gmail.com

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I'm sorry. This is a duplicate issue. See dartbug.com/1236

[gbracha]

Added Duplicate label.
Marked as being merged into #1236.