iflike

Iflike is a term used in programming and software design discussions to describe a conditional construct that combines branching logic with pattern-based matching. It is not an official language feature in major programming languages, but rather a conceptual pattern used in examples and some domain-specific languages.

Definition: In an iflike construct, a value is tested against a pattern; if the value matches, a corresponding branch executes; otherwise a default branch runs. Patterns may use wildcards, regular expressions, or simple predicates. The construct is similar to a switch or match statement extended with pattern compatibility.

Typical syntax (illustrative):

- iflike x matches 'prefix*' then do A; else iflike x matches '*suffix' then do B; else do C.

- In more functional syntax: case x of { _ iflike 'prefix*' -> A; _ iflike '*suffix' -> B; _ -> C }.

Examples: In pseudocode:

- iflike(name, 'A%') then greeting = 'starts with A' else greeting = 'not starting with A'

- Or in functional style: match name with

| Like('A%') -> "starts with A"

| Like('%son') -> "ends with son"

| _ -> "other"

Relationship to existing concepts: The concept overlaps with pattern matching features found in languages such as Scala, Haskell, and Rust, and with the SQL LIKE operator. It also resembles guard clauses and filter expressions used to express conditional logic with predicates.

History and usage: The term appears mainly in informal discussions and design blogs to describe a readable style of combining pattern-based tests with conditional logic. It has no standard syntax or universal implementation across languages.

Critique: Proponents say it can clarify intent and reduce boilerplate by centralizing pattern-based tests. Critics note potential ambiguity and added language complexity when adopted as a formal feature.

See also: Pattern matching, Guard, Switch statement, Like operator, Fuzzy matching, Regex.

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