On `eval` in dynamic languages generally and in Racket specifically
posted by Matthew Flatt
The eval function is at the heart of a dynamic language, and it strikes many newcomers as an amazingly powerful tool. At the same time, experienced programmers avoid eval, because unnecessary use creates trouble. It’s not easy to explain why eval should be avoided or when it"s appropriate to use eval, but I’ll take another stab at it here.
What is eval?
Consider the following “program” in English prose:
Assume that your favorite color is red. Now imagine a balloon that is...
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