Array of Functions

[richard_riehle]

I realized that I mentioned earlier that I found a solution to my original question, but that I never posted an example of the solution.   So, here is a simplified example for anyone who is interested.

def fArray(fselect, fparm  = 1):
	def A1(p = fparm):
		if p == 1:
			print("printing A1[1]")
		else:
			print("printing A1[other]")
	def A2(p = fparm):
		if p == 1:
			print("printing A2[1]")
		else:
			print("printing A2[other]")
	A = [A1, A2]
	A[fselect]()

In this example, I enclosed two functions within another function, and then put those two functions in a list.  Then, with appropriate parameters, I called one of the functions in the list, associated the formal parameter with the function in a call to the array, and presto, it performs the function.

The more advanced problem I wanted to solve, a two dimensional array of functions, once this example is understood, becomes trivial to implement.  In fact, the more interesting problem I wanted to solve involved a dictionary of functions in a two-dimensional array, and that too was easy to do in Python.  

When I compare what this would require in C, C++, Java, or most other languages, I find Python to be really easy for solving this kind of problem.

Next, I plan to develop the solution using decorators and assertions to empower it with a greater level of portability and to make the functions more generic.

I hope someone finds this interesting.

Richard Riehle, PhD