A design problem I met again and again.

[andrew cooke]

Note sure who wrote:
>> > Consolidate existing functions?
>>
>> > I've thought about it.
>>
>> > For example, I have two functions:
>>
>> > #=========================
>>
>> > def startXXX(id):
>> >     pass
>>
>> > def startYYY(id):
>> >     pass
>> > #=========================
>>
>> > I could turn it into one:
>>
>> > #=========================
>> > def start(type, id):
>> >     if(type == "XXX"):
>> >         pass
>> >     else if(type == "YYY"):
>> >         pass
>> > #=========================

in general, if you are testing type that is an indication you should
refactor to use a base class with subclassing.

for example:

def my_print(x):
  print 'i have a ',
  if type(x) is Foo:
    print 'furry foo'
  elif type(x) is Bar:
    print 'bubbly Bar;
  else:
    print 'strange beast'

might be refactored as

class MyPrintable(object):
  def my_print(self):
    print 'i have a ', self.describe()

class Foo(MyPrintable):
  def describe(self):
    return 'furry Foo'

etc etc.

it's not always possible, but any type() or isinstance() in an OO program
is a big red flag that the design is wrong.

andrew