On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Jonathan Mitchem <jmitc...@gmail.com> wrote: > Basically, when I'm solving the problem, I'd think "average is sum of > the items divided by the count". > > So... > (defn average [coll] > (/ (sum coll) (count coll))) > > Then, "since count is defined, I just need to define sum". > > (defn sum [coll] > (reduce + coll))
Basically, go ahead and start writing it top-down, and at the point where you realize you want a helper function sum, add the declaration above average. It ends up looking like this: ; In average, we will be using a helper function sum, which will be defined afterwards. (declare sum) (defn average [coll] (/ (sum coll) (count coll))) (defn sum [coll] (reduce + coll)) In principle, I tend to prefer languages that let me structure the code in whatever way I find the most readable, and I chafe that Clojure makes it easier to write bottom-up code than top-down code. But in all honesty, I've found it's not that big a deal to put declarations up front if you really want to write in a top-down style. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Clojure" group. To post to this group, send email to clojure@googlegroups.com Note that posts from new members are moderated - please be patient with your first post. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to clojure+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/clojure?hl=en
