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by joe-user 3353 days ago
> I've worked with functions in JavaScript that change functionality radically depending on whether you pass an integer or an object. > I thought this was the way of the world until I got deeper into typed languages, where you learn why not doing that is good. Type envy still stings though.

This is just polymorphism, isn't it? Why is this not a good thing?
1 comments
twoquestions 3353 days ago
In small doses it's fine, but 2000 line functions whose branches have nothing to do with each other is hard to fit in one's head.

The great thing about statically-typed languages is that they help you write your software instead of giving you a blowtorch and saying "have fun". I know a lot of people find that a bit patronizing, but I'm not one to turn down help (especially from a bot that won't call me on it later).

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joe-user 3353 days ago
I'm not sure I follow. I don't find "2000-line functions whose branches ..." to be a requirement for polymorphism.

I'm also not against static typing, but I am against thinking it's a silver bullet. Consider this: `function inc(x: number): number { return x - 1; }`. It passes the type checker, but the blow torch still burned you.

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