Basics
Most programmers are used to languages like C and Java. So let's use their
operators, unless there is a reason not to.
String concatenation
String concatenation is used very often. Let's make it easy to use with an operator.
At the same time, having to convert every type to a string before it can be concatenated
is bothersome. Automatic conversion is useful, so long as it's not confusing.
1. Use + for string concatenation:
"foo" + "bar" "number " + 4 + easy to understand
-
4 + foo can be a mathematical plus or string concatenation, depending on the type of "foo". This can be confusing.
2. Use .. for string concatenation:
"foo" .. "bar" "number " .. 4 + no overloading
- two characters instead of one
- not obvious what .. does (although it's easy to learn)
The confusion about automatic conversion is more important than the other arguments.
Choice: 2
Boolean operators
1. Use && and || like C
IF aa && bb || cc + common
- potential confusion with & and | operators
2. Use words: and, or like Python
IF aa AND bb OR cc + easier for non-programmers
- operators are more difficult to spot, reading back is more difficult
Choice 1: easy to read back is more important