Assignment = or := ?

[Otto]

I have noticed that in FIVEWIN the assign is done with = and := .

Could someone explain when to use = and when := .

Thanks in advance
Otto

[Enrico Maria Giordano]

= is the normal assignment operator while := in the inline version of the same operator. As an example:

REDEFINE BUTTON ACTION x = 1 // wrong!

REDEFINE BUTTON ACTION x := 1 // ok!

x = 1 // ok!
x := 1 // ok! It's the same
a = b = 1 // means a = .T. if b = 1 or .F. if b != 1
a = b := 1 // means a = 1 and b = 1
a := b := 1 // the same as above

EMG

[James Bott]

Otto,

If you have the Clipper help file, there are good descriptions in there.

Regards,
James

[Otto]

Hello Enrico, hello James,

Thank you for explaining to me.
For example in TRBGroup-class assignments are made with := in TBtnBmp classe with =
( VB6 style which I don’t like). I thought that there is maybe a difference which I am not aware of.
Best regards,
Otto

[Enrico Maria Giordano]

= is not a VB assignment style at all. It's the most widely used token for the assignment operator. And it's good style in xBase too. I can't see why to use the inline assignment operator in a statement like

Code: Select all  Expand view

a := 1

and I don't like it for sure.

EMG

[sambomb]

To be sure, use := always

[Enrico Maria Giordano]

Ok, so to be sure use always + because * is too complicated.

EMG

[Otto]

Hello Enrico,
Fivewin classes are my reference for good programming style. As I see that for the same assignment in different classes = and := are used I asked which is the right way.
I personally prefer :=. Why context determining which is meant.
Thanks again for your help.
Best regards,
Otto

[Antonio Linares]

Otto,

We do prefer to use "=" unless ":=" (inline assignment) is required.

Anyhow, both ways are valid, though "=" is simpler