Should fmap use <§> for consistency with function application: §?

[ryanbooker]

In Haskell, I think <$> was chosen for fmap, because $ is used for function application. Perhaps this consistency should be brought to Swiftz's fmap.

Should fmap use <§> for consistency with function application: §?

[sharplet]

I wish <§> wasn't such hell to type 😞

[CodaFi]

I use <%> in the basis because it was the closest thing to <$> on the keyboard. I wonder what other languages with Applicative Functors do.

[pthariensflame]

I think I like <§> rather than <$>, for the reasons cited in the OP. That being said, I'll go with whatever is most comfortable with the general populace of our users, since Swiftz is above all else supposed to be usable. :)

[ryanbooker]

re: the "hard to type" fear, § is just as easy to type as $, ^ or %… it's ⌥ 6 (Option 6) on a Mac keyboard. I suspect we'd get used to typing it very quickly. Just an idea. I guess switch from a shift to option is a small pain. :)

[pthariensflame]

Option-5, for me, since I'm using U.S. Extended. :)

[ryanbooker]

Ah, fair enough. I suppose it may be cumbersome for some language keyboards?

[sharplet]

@pthariensflame Actually what I was getting at was that you have to switch modifier keys and back again: Shift-, - Opt-6 - Shift-.. I personally find it quite cumbersome, but maybe I'm doing it wrong? Compared to <*>, <%>, or <^>, where you can just hold down shift and you're off to the races.

[sharplet]

But I'm also a big fan of the consistency argument, so really I'm just torn!

[pthariensflame]

@sharplet You can have your thumb (of either hand) on Option while your pinky finger (also of either hand) is on Shift. This is generally what I do, and it works pretty well (it's also agnostic to your particular keyboard layout, since the MOD keys aren't going to move).

[CodaFi]

As an aside: we really should radar for the use of $ in operator identifiers. It's ridiculous that the language designers get to have it all to themselves just because they use it for one feature.

Dupe'able at rdar://19528489

[pthariensflame]

Thanks, @CodaFi!

[CodaFi]

This thread should be moved into typelift/Operadics. I'm going to close it here. If there's any interest reopen it over there.