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Testing an expression with the primitive if

As in all programming language, Logo allows you to check if a condition is satisfied and then to execute the desired code if it's true or false.
With the primitive if you can realize those tests. Here is the syntax:
if expression_test [ list1 ] [ list2 ]
if expression_test is true, the instructions included in list1 are executed. Else, if expression_test is false, the instructions in list2 are executed. This second list is optional.
Examples:

Important: When the result of the first predicate is equal to false, the primitive if looks for a second list, I mean an expression starting with a square bracket. In some very rare cases, it can't be done, and you'll have to use the primitive ifelse . For example:
# We  affect two lists in variables a and b
 make "a [print true]
 make "b [print false]

# First test with the primitive if--> The second list can't be evaluated.
 if 1=2 :a :b 
 What to do with [print false]?

# Second test with the primitive ifelse --> success.
 ifelse 1=2 :a :b
 false


next up previous contents index
Next: The workspace Up: List of primitives Previous: Booleans   Contents   Index
Loïc 2008-06-08