[r6rs-discuss] Low-level macro systems (Was: On naming the next scheme(s))

[John Cowan]

Brian Mastenbrook scripsit:

[snipped almost the whole posting, all of which I firmly agree
with, including the primacy of syntax-rules and the desirability of
incorporating SRFI-46 into it]

> I also believe that a standard facility for limited breaking of hygiene
> could be included which would address a substantial fraction of the
> demand for a low-level macro system.

I stand with Al* Petrofsky here:  "Unhygienic insertion really is a dirty
and dangerous business (I've even heard people say it can give you AIDS,
but they might have been talking about something else)", from the SRFI-46
mailing list.

Thing One implementations can be allowed to add new syntax-transformers
however they like, but let's not be deceived by the term "low-level".
Low-level macros are a high-level feature.

-- 
Only do what only you can do.               John Cowan <cowan at ccil.org>
  --Edsger W. Dijkstra's advice
    to a student in search of a thesis